Jake Paul and MVP Promotions continue to invest in women’s boxing—in the form of established stars, up-and-comers, and now pioneers. On Wednesday at the press event for Paul’s upcoming clash with former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., MVP unveiled its latest signing: former boxing world champion and UFC women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm.
As part of the undercard for Paul-Chavez Jr. on June 28 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, Holm will face the undefeated Yolanda Vega (10-0, 1 KO).
As a professional boxer, Holm, 43, compiled a 33-2 record with 9 KOs. However, she hasn’t boxed since 2013 when she defeated Mary McGee for the FP Featherweight Championship.
“I’m excited to partner with Most Valuable Promotions and return to the boxing ring,” said Holm via press release. “This new chapter is going to be an exciting journey, and I’m looking forward to the challenge. Coming full circle back to boxing—I’ve spent most of my MMA career at 135 pounds, and now I have the opportunity to make my boxing debut at that weight. With boxing titles in three higher weight classes under my belt, I’m eager to pursue a fourth title in a new division.”
The last time Holm was an active boxer, the landscape of the sport was much different for women. There weren’t nearly as many opportunities as there are today, largely due to the success and popularity of fighters like Claressa Shields, another MVP signee Amanda Serrano, and Katie Taylor.
According to a press release provided by MVP, both Holm and Vega have now joined the promotion’s impressive stable of female fighters, which also includes Serrano, Alycia Baumgardner, Savannah Marshall, Chantelle Cameron, and Shadasia Green. While Taylor is promoted by Matchroom, the promotion has worked well with MVP.
“Holly Holm is the most dominant two-sport athlete in history—period. Her accomplishments in both boxing and MMA are unmatched, and we’re honored to welcome her to Most Valuable Promotions,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions. “I remember when Holly shocked the world by knocking out Ronda Rousey, and I have no doubt she has the ability to shock the world again in her quest to become a boxing world champion once more. But Yolanda is a proud Mexican fighter and has her own plans, which is why she has signed a multi-fight contract with MVP. Signing both Holly Holm and Yolanda Vega reflects our commitment to building the biggest platform in the world for women’s boxing. With Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr. headlining and Holm vs. Vega on the card, Saturday, June 28 is going to be one of the most entertaining events of the year.”
As of now, the two biggest names in women’s boxing that have yet to work with MVP are Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn, both of whom are promoted by Dmitry Salita. I spoke with Salita in April and he is open to doing something with MVP if things are fair on both sides.
The possibilities of an all-female super show with the greatest women’s boxers of all time in action is an interesting one. According to the presser, Holm vs. Vega will be a 10-round lightweight bout contested over two-minute rounds, and the entire card will be viewable on DAZN. The card will be presented by Celsius Live Fit Essential Energy and Golden Boy Promotions, who represent Chavez Jr.
Vega, a native of Sonora, Mexico, hasn’t been wildly active in her career, with only 10 pro fights in as many years as a pro.
“I feel very happy and grateful to God that a company of this magnitude has taken me into account to join their roster,” Vega said. “I am very committed because I know what it means to fight among the highest elite ranks, and I trust a lot in my work reflecting at MVP. Fighting against a champion of this stature on Saturday, June 28 brings me closer to my aim of becoming a world champion. I respect and admire her work a lot, but today she has become my next goal, and goals are meant to be achieved.”
The Paul-Chavez Jr. card figures to be the latest major attraction featuring the YouTuber-turned-boxer. Adding Holm brings more crossover appeal to the card.
Stay tuned for more updates.
