The landscape of women’s boxing has seen a seismic shift in recent years, and according to a recent ESPN report, much of that transformation can be attributed to the unexpected influence of Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. While often polarizing figures in the combat sports world, their foray into boxing promotion, particularly through Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), has undeniably elevated the visibility and financial opportunities for female fighters. Their strategy, focusing on high-profile events and significant paydays, has challenged the traditional promotional models that often relegated women’s bouts to undercards with lesser compensation, forcing a reevaluation of how female athletes are valued in the sport.
This impact is most evident in the careers of fighters like Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor, two of the sport’s undisputed legends. Serrano, a seven-division world champion with an astounding record of 46-2-1 (30 KOs), has been a cornerstone of MVP’s roster. Her historic Madison Square Garden headliner against Katie Taylor in April 2022, promoted by MVP, was a watershed moment, shattering attendance and viewership records for a women’s boxing match. Taylor, the undisputed lightweight champion with a 23-1 record, also reaped the benefits, securing a career-high purse for that bout and subsequent high-profile rematches. These events showcased that women’s boxing could not only draw massive crowds but also generate significant revenue, a concept many traditional promoters had been slow to embrace.
The “MVP effect” extends beyond just headlining acts. By consistently placing female fighters in prominent positions on their cards and advocating for equitable pay, Paul and Bidarian have set a new standard. This pressure has encouraged other promoters to follow suit, leading to a broader increase in opportunities and compensation across the sport. While their methods may be unconventional, and their entry into boxing initially met with skepticism, their commitment to showcasing female talent on the biggest stages has undeniably accelerated the growth and mainstream acceptance of women’s boxing, forever altering its trajectory and empowering a new generation of female pugilists.
Originally reported by ESPN