In a groundbreaking move for women’s boxing, Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) has secured a multi-year deal with ESPN, promising to bring more elite female fights to a wider audience. This partnership, announced recently, signifies a significant step forward in mainstream recognition and exposure for the sport. MVP, co-founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, has already made waves in boxing, but this dedicated focus on the women’s division through a major broadcast partner like ESPN is a game-changer, potentially ushering in a new era of visibility and financial opportunity for female fighters.
The deal is expected to feature some of the sport’s biggest names, including MVP’s own Amanda Serrano, the undisputed featherweight champion. Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs) recently defended her WBO, IBF, and Ring Magazine titles against Danila Ramos in a historic 12-round, three-minute per round bout – a format long advocated for by Serrano and her team to bring parity with men’s boxing. This new ESPN platform could provide the perfect stage for Serrano to continue her quest for undisputed status and further solidify her legacy, while also showcasing other top-tier talent who have often struggled for consistent airtime on major networks.
This collaboration between MVP and ESPN is more than just a broadcast agreement; it’s a statement of intent. It demonstrates a belief in the marketability and athletic prowess of women’s boxing, moving beyond the occasional co-main event slot to dedicated programming. For fans, this means more opportunities to witness the skill, power, and drama that the women’s division consistently delivers. It’s a win for the fighters who will gain increased exposure and potentially higher purses, and a win for the sport as a whole, as it continues its upward trajectory towards mainstream prominence and parity.
Originally reported by Sports Illustrated