In a bold move to uplift women’s boxing, Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) has added four new female fighters to its roster, further solidifying its commitment to the sport. This follows the recent signing of undisputed junior lightweight champion Alycia Baumgardner, marking a pivotal moment in the promotion’s history. With a focus on elevating underrepresented talents and creating significant opportunities for women in boxing, MVP continues to reshape the landscape of the sport.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) MVP Expands Roster with New Female Signings |
| 2) The Strategic Vision Behind MVP |
| 3) Notable Achievements in Women’s Boxing |
| 4) Future Plans for Women in Boxing |
| 5) The Impact of Recent Events on the Sport |
MVP Expands Roster with New Female Signings
On a remarkable Wednesday, Most Valuable Promotions announced the addition of four more female boxers to its growing roster. The signings come shortly after the promotion made headlines by bringing in Alycia Baumgardner, the undisputed junior lightweight champion, showcasing MVP’s dedication to championing women in boxing. The newly signed athletes include:
- Dina Thorslund (23-0, 9 KOs): A unified bantamweight champion from Denmark, Thorslund is regarded as the top pound-for-pound female fighter by BoxRec.com.
- Ramla Ali (9-2, 2 KOs): An activist and fashion model, Ali made history as the first female boxer to represent Somalia at the Olympics and is recognized for her advocacy for women’s rights in sports.
- Naomy Valle (14-0, 9 KOs): At just 20 years old, Valle is a junior flyweight prospect and made headlines for becoming an aspiring pilot while also winning a popular dance competition in her home country of Costa Rica.
- Nat “No Love” Dove (4-0, 0 KOs): The junior bantamweight standout from Philadelphia, Dove is a 15-time U.S. national amateur champion and is recognized as a promising young talent.
Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of MVP alongside Jake Paul, emphasized that their strategy of promoting female boxing is not a new initiative but part of a deliberate and systematic approach aimed at fostering talent in women’s boxing. The promotion seeks to leverage Paul’s massive social media presence to provide a platform for female fighters, thereby enhancing their visibility and opportunities.
The Strategic Vision Behind MVP
MVP was established with a clear vision: to put fighters first, create opportunities for boxers to increase their profiles, and importantly, to uplift women’s boxing. Bidarian shared that their approach has been intentional since the inception of MVP. “Our focus on women’s boxing isn’t something that is new,” Bidarian said. “It’s planned, calculated, and intentional from the outset.” She’s focused on breaking down barriers that typically exist in boxing, especially for female practitioners.
Reflecting on her experience at the UFC, where she witnessed the meteoric rise of Ronda Rousey, Bidarian recognized a significant disparity in how female fighters are treated in boxing compared to their male counterparts. She noted how Rousey’s earnings surpassed even those of her male counterparts like Conor McGregor, which demonstrates the potential financial success for female athletes. The goal of MVP is to create a structure that mirrors this success, giving female fighters both a platform and an audience that appreciates their skills and contributions to the sport.
Notable Achievements in Women’s Boxing
One of MVP’s crowning achievements has been the promotion of high-profile fights such as the rematch between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor, which became the most-watched women’s sporting event in American history. This landmark event took place last November at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and was viewed by over 45 million people across the United States. Bidarian noted that the event exceeded even the viewership of significant historical events like the Women’s World Cup in 1999.
Not only has the promotion generated unprecedented interest, but it has also set benchmarks for future women’s boxing events. As the first professional boxing event streamed on Netflix, it opened doors for further collaborations between boxing and major streaming platforms, emphasizing the desire for women’s sports to achieve broader recognition.
Future Plans for Women in Boxing
With the signing of female athletes and the successful promotion of landmark events, MVP is poised for continued growth. There are plans for upcoming bouts and a promise to provide even more opportunities for female fighters. Bidarian expressed optimism about the future, stating, “There are many more fights to come, as long as [Serrano] wants to keep going.” The journey ahead is not only focused on promoting individual fights but also on creating an infrastructure for future female champions, aiming to reward athletes for their contributions and success in the sport.
The promotion also aims to cultivate female talent from the ground up, establishing training programs and mentorship opportunities for aspiring boxers. By ensuring a solid foundation for these athletes, MVP seeks to elevate women’s boxing as a whole, mirroring the successful models observed in other sports.
The Impact of Recent Events on the Sport
The successful pairing of the Taylor-Serrano II fight with Jake Paul‘s headline match against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson was a strategic move by MVP to attract a diverse audience. While Tyson’s participation was met with some skepticism due to his age, the focus ultimately remained on the skilled athletes competing in women’s boxing. The event clearly showcased the capabilities and talent of female fighters, urging discussions around equal treatment and compensation in sports.
Bidarian noted how these significant events have not only propelled the recognition of female boxing but have also influenced global sports networks to focus more on women’s events, leading to deals like Netflix securing rights for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. This enhanced visibility is expected to propel women’s boxing into the mainstream, attracting new fans and investors alike.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | MVP adds four more female boxers to its roster, highlighting its dedication to women’s boxing. |
| 2 | Nakisa Bidarian emphasizes the promotion’s long-term commitment to female athletes. |
| 3 | The Taylor-Serrano II fight becomes the most-watched women’s sporting event in U.S. history. |
| 4 | MVP focuses on creating a structured opportunity for aspiring female boxers. |
| 5 | Recent events are leading to increased investment and visibility in women’s sports. |
Summary
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) is making significant strides in the world of women’s boxing, aiming to create a sustainable and equitable environment for female athletes. With strategic signings and high-profile events, the promotion is set to continue reshaping the expectations of women’s boxing. By prioritizing female fighters and utilizing innovative marketing strategies, MVP enhances the representation and support of women in the sport, laying a foundation for future successes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is MVP’s mission regarding women’s boxing?
MVP aims to create more opportunities for female boxers, provide a platform for their visibility, and promote women’s boxing as a significant component of the sport.
Question: Who are some of the notable fighters signed by MVP?
MVP recently signed fighters such as Dina Thorslund, Ramla Ali, Naomy Valle, and Nat Dove, highlighting their commitment to women’s boxing.
Question: How did MVP’s events influence the landscape of women’s sports?
Events like Taylor-Serrano II have achieved unprecedented viewership and engagement, leading to broader networks focusing on women’s sports and increased visibility and investment in female athletics.
