MVP Boosts Women’s Boxing with Star Signings
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), Jake Paul’s promoter, has made a splash in women’s boxing by securing the signing of several of the most prominent female boxers of the moment. This strategic move came shortly after the announcement of the trilogy between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano on July 11, an event that will feature an all-female card.
Among the key figures joining MVP are undisputed super-lightweight champion Alycia Baumgardner; WBC interim super-welterweight title holder Chantelle Cameron; and former undisputed super-middleweight champion Savannah Marshall.
This event, which will be broadcast on Netflix, promises to expose these boxers to an unprecedented audience. In addition, on June 28, former UFC bantamweight champion Holly Holm will return to boxing after more than 12 years, as part of the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr. matchup.
Holm, also signed by MVP, seeks to expand her legacy and become a world champion again, solidifying herself as one of the most recognized figures in women’s combat sports.
With MVP’s investment in women’s boxing, could we be witnessing a similar surge in popularity to that experienced by the WNBA in 2024?
Next, we analyze the announced matchups and what the future might hold for these outstanding female boxers.
Analysis of the Star Battles
June 28: Holly Holm vs. Yolanda Vega – Lightweight Bout
Holm, a 2022 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, is seeking one last title shot before retiring. While little is known about her opponent, Vega, if Holm manages to overcome the passage of time, she could aim for a fight against one of the four lightweight champions.
The current title holders are Terri Harper (WBO), Beatriz Ferreira (IBF), Stephanie Han (WBA), and Caroline Dubois (WBC), with three of them in action in the next two months. If Holm wins, she will likely move forward to face one of the champions in her next fight.
July 11: Savannah Marshall vs. Shadasia Green – Super Middleweight Unification
The winner of this fight could face the undisputed former super middleweight champion, Claressa Shields, who will defend her title on July 26 against Lani Daniels.
Shields, a five-division world champion, has history with Marshall and Green. Marshall is the only one who has defeated Shields, both in the amateur and professional ranks. Green has exchanged statements with Shields in recent years and has shown interest in a match. If Green defeats Marshall, this fight could materialize.
Marshall and Green are considered two of the strongest punchers in women’s boxing. Marshall, more technically precise, should be the favorite, but she hasn’t fought since 2023 and was removed from the pound-for-pound list due to her inactivity. Green is coming off a split-decision victory over Melinda Watpool.
July 11: Alycia Baumgardner vs. Jennifer Miranda – Undisputed Super Lightweight Championship
The inclusion of Baumgardner, number 8 in the pound-for-pound rankings, in the co-main event underscores the potential that MVP sees in her. The undisputed super-lightweight champion, known for her entertaining style, will face Miranda, who has fought primarily in Spain against lower-caliber opponents.
If Baumgardner defeats Miranda, the options for her next fight are broad: defending her title, moving up in weight to seek new belts, or even a match against Holly Holm.
July 11: Ellie Scotney vs. Yamileth Mercado – Super-Featherweight Unification
Scotney, the youngest of MVP’s recent additions, has yet to be fully tested. Her victory over Cherneka Johnson in 2023 to win the IBF super-featherweight title is her most outstanding achievement. Scotney, who also holds the WBO belt, has a promising future, but first she must overcome Mercado, who is coming off an impressive victory over Ramla Ali.
Scotney is the favorite, but Mercado is expected to present a challenge. A victory for Scotney in her US debut would leave her one title away from becoming undisputed champion at 122 pounds.
July 11: Dina Thorslund vs. Shurretta Metcalf – Bantamweight Unification
This fight promises to be one of the most competitive on the Taylor-Serrano card. Thorslund, number 10 in the pound-for-pound rankings, has been a world champion since 2018. The Danish boxer will seek to acquire Metcalf’s IBF title to move closer to the bantamweight unification.
Metcalf, also signed by MVP, has shown significant improvement since the start of her career. If Thorslund defeats Metcalf, she could face Johnson to determine the undisputed bantamweight champion.
