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MVPW-02 Preview: Baumgardner Defends Titles Against Shin on ESPN

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Most Valuable Promotions will bring its women’s boxing platform to U.S. television for the first time on Friday night when MVPW-02 airs live on ESPN from the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden. Unified junior lightweight champion Alycia Baumgardner (17-1, 7 KO) will headline the women’s bout, defending her WBA, WBO and IBF 130-pound titles against South Korean Bo Mi Re Shin (19-3-3, 10 KO) in a 12-round, three-minute fight.

The event comes on the heels of the successful MVPW-01 gala in London, where Caroline Dubois unified her two lightweight belts, Ellie Scotney became the youngest undisputed champion in British history and Chantelle Cameron won the title in her third weight class. This event immediately added credibility to MVP’s modern partnership with ESPN. Friday’s card will test whether it can generate the same energy on this side of the Atlantic.

Baumgardner vs. Shin: Main Event

Baumgardner, 31, maintains the undisputed 130-pound weight class, although she vacated the WBC belt due to the organization’s reluctance to sanction fights in three-minute rounds. She enters Friday’s fight as the unified three-belt champion with the momentum of her last two appearances under the MVP banner, both of which came in main event wins on Netflix cards headlined by Jake Paul. In July, she outpointed Jennifer Miranda on the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano III card, and in December, she defeated Leila Beaudoin by unanimous decision in 12 rounds, three-minute rounds on the Joshua vs. Paul card.

Neither fight was considered a breakthrough moment. Baumgardner clearly won on both counts, but he never made an explosive statement that turned casual viewers into fans. Friday marks her first chance to appear on major American television since she became the undisputed star at Madison Square Garden in 2023, and the stage couldn’t be more appropriate. ESPN analysts clearly articulated this question: Can Baumgardner become the face of women’s boxing? This card was designed to give her that chance.

Shin is not here to ensure a cushioned landing. The 30-year-old from South Korea turned professional in 2016 and established a record of 10 knockouts and high-level experience against top competition. Her two most notable losses came against elite opposition: Caroline Dubois, who defeated her by majority decision in March 2025 in a fight that was much more competitive than the result suggested, and Delfine Persoon, who defeated her by split decision. Shin is ranked in the top seven of the WBA, IBF and WBO rankings and she took this fight knowing where she was at and what it could mean for her career.

Baumgardner’s advantages are obvious. He is a sharper technician, has better jabs, more refined combinations and the ability to control distance with his footwork. She also showed legitimate knockout power, most memorably in her 2021 stoppage of Terri Harper, which changed the trajectory of women’s 130-pound boxing. The three-minute rounds should work to her advantage, giving her more time to prepare her attack and defeat opponents who try to outdo her.

Shin’s path to victory is through volume and pressure. In her match against Dubois, she showed that she was willing to walk through fire to make her own shots, and also possessed the stamina that could make any fight uncomfortable for a more technically gifted opponent. If she can pick up the pace and turn the war into a war of attrition, the fight may be closer than many expect.

Green vs. Daniels: Joint main event

The unified IBF and WBO super middleweight champion Shadasia Green (16-1, 11 KO) puts both belts on the line against Lani Daniels (11-4-2, 1 KO) in a 10-round fight. Green gained unified status last July with a split decision over Savannah Marshall at Taylor vs. Serrano III. The fight confirmed her status among the best at 168 pounds, but it also raised questions about her ability to dominate at that level.

Daniels, a 37-year-old Up-to-date Zealander and former airy heavyweight champion, is ranked No. 2 and No. 5 by the WBO in the IBF super middleweight rankings. She has a four-fight losing record, but she’s fought legal opponents throughout her career, and she’s the type of tough, experienced fighter who can make anyone feel uncomfortable. Green’s strength should make a difference, but she will need to be sharper than she was against Marshall to make a convincing impact on this defense.

The real stakes for Green go beyond Friday. The dominant win sets the stage for a potential superfight with Claressa Shields, a fight in which MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian has publicly expressed interest. Green was equally direct in saying he wanted the fight. Anything other than a determined performance can push that timeline back.

Main card: Rosado vs. Reyes and Dove vs. Micheo

The ESPN main card, which begins at 10 p.m. EST, features four fights. Puerto Rican bantamweight Krystal Rosado (8-1, 2 KO) opens the main broadcast against undefeated Mexican Fernanda Reyes (8-0) in an eight-round fight at 118 pounds. Rosado, a 23-year-old protégé of Amanda Serrano, has continued to develop MVP potential since her professional debut in 2023 and displays a fan-friendly, aggressive style that defies her age. Reyes is undefeated and wants to appear on the most vital card of her career. The Puerto Rico vs. Mexico lively adds a layer of intrigue to what should be a competitive matchup.

In the flyweight division, Natalie Dove (7-0-1, 2 KO) won moved to the main card after the originally planned middleweight fight between Tamm Thibeault and Nadja Jesus was canceled due to visa problems for the Brazilian fighter. Dove will face Maria Micheo (14-6, 8 KO) in an eight-round 112-pound fight. Micheo is a two-time world title challenger who has shared the ring with Yokasta Valle and Gabriela Fundora, among others, and brings a level of experience that should significantly challenge Dove’s undefeated record.

Subtab

The ESPN+ prelims, broadcast from 6:30 p.m. ET, feature several fights worth monitoring. American Olympian and 2021 amateur world champion Jahmal Harvey (2-0, 1 KO) will face Daniel Lugo in a six-round lightweight fight. Harvey, from Oxon Hill, Maryland, was a quarterfinalist in the 2024 Paris Soccer Tournament and a 10-time national champion as an amateur before turning professional in December in the Joshua vs. Paul match. He is one of the adolescent MVP candidates and one of the most recognized American amateurs who have entered the professional rankings in recent years.

Undefeated junior welterweight Alex Vargas (14-0, 5 KO) of Bellport, Up-to-date York will face undefeated Ryan O’Rourke (13-0, 3 KO) in an eight-round fight that represents a legitimate step up for both fighters. Dunkirk super bantamweight Elon De Jesus (11-1-2, 8 KO) will face Englishman Connor Adaway (10-2-1, 4 KO) in eight rounds at 122 pounds. Raquel Miller (13-0, 6 KO), former WBA interim super welterweight champion, ranked No. 2 in the WBC rankings at 168 pounds, makes her promotional MVP debut against Brazilian Adriana Araujo (6-3, 1 KO) in a six-round super middleweight bout. Albanian heavyweight Luis Gjolena (6-0-1) closes the card in a four-round fight against Robert Salinas.

MVP built its MVPW cards around an all-female main card, supported by male attacks on the bottom card, which is a deliberate reversal of the classic model. Whether this format can maintain viewership and build a dedicated audience beyond the existing women’s boxing fan base is one of the main questions the platform will need to answer over the next year. Friday’s gala, broadcast live from the most celebrated boxing arena, is a test like any other.

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Bozy Ennis reflects on his players, influences and Boots’ title fight with Xander Zayas

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Image: Bozy Ennis Reflects On His Fighters, Influences, And Boots' Title Fight With Xander Zayas

Long before Boots became one of boxing’s elite fighters, Bozy earned a reputation as one of the sport’s most respected teachers in Philadelphia. He managed the careers of all three of his sons, including Derek “Pooh” Ennis, former IBF USBA junior middleweight champion, and Farah Ennis, former NABF super middleweight champion who also worked as Gennady Golovkin’s sparring partner.

When asked about some of the players he has coached over the years, Bozy rattled off an impressive group of names.

“Anthony Thompson, Demetrius Hopkins, Ray Robinson, Coy Evans, Prince Ajuma, Rasheem Brown, Andy Cruz, Bryant Jennings, Stephen Fulton, Oshae Jones and Haven Brady,” Bozy said.

Bozy was also asked who he considers some of the best coaches and teachers in boxing.

“Georgie Benton, Bouie Fisher, Sloan Harrison, Mitch Allen, Melvin “Rev” Thompson, Al Fennell, Al Styles Sr., Jim Robinson, Howard Moses, Nasim Richardson, Jimmy Glenn, Fred Jenkins, Roger Mayweather, Sam Hickman and Sam Solomon,” he said.

The veteran trainer also addressed the proposed fight between Boots and Vergil Ortiz Jr., which never materialized.

“There was a conflict between Oscar De La Hoya and Ortiz’s manager,” Bozy said.

When asked about the previously discussed possibility of fighting Terence Crawford, Bozy highlighted the issues Crawford’s side is facing during negotiations.

“His group BLK screwed it up. They wanted Boots to leave Showtime and I was close to Espinoza from Showtime,” Bozy said.

As for Boots’ upcoming challenge against Zayas, Bozy gave a direct assessment of the undefeated champion while expressing confidence in his progress in training camp.

“As usual, I choose Boots,” Bozy said. “Xander is a good fighter.”

The June 27 clash will be the main event of the Matchroom Boxing and Top Rank joint promotion at the Barclays Center and will be available on DAZN PPV. For Boots, this means a chance to become a unified champion in a second weight class. For Bozy, this is the next chapter in a career dedicated to developing fighters and passing on the lessons he has learned from boxing’s most respected coaches.

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Shakur Stevenson predicts David Benavidez vs. Jai Opetaia cruiserweight fight: ‘It’s a beast’

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Shakur Stevenson predicts David Benavidez vs Jai Opetaia at cruiserweight: “He’s a beast”

Shakur Stevenson offered his predictions for a potential clash between David Benavidez and Jai Opetaia, describing one man as a “beast.”

Last month, Benavidez gained weight to 200 pounds, becoming a three-division world champion dethroning Gilberto Ramirez with a decisive sixth-round stoppage.

However, despite holding the WBO and WBA titles, “The Mexican Monster” has since been considered the mandatory challenger for the WBC title, putting him in position to fight cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian.

It was previously reported that Mikaelian would face Opetaia later this year, but it now appears that Benavidez has torpedoed their negotiations.

The 29-year-old is reportedly currently in “advanced” talks to face Mikaelian later this year, potentially leaving Opetaia without an obvious opponent.

The former IBF champion scored a unanimous decision victory over Brandon Glanton to capture Zuffa’s inaugural cruiserweight title in his first fight under Dana White’s promotional uniform.

Even without a classic world title, Opetaia is still widely considered the top dog at 200 pounds, while others may argue that Benavidez has already passed him.

If the pair ever met, said four-division world champion Stevenson Agnew Podcast that he will favor a naturally smaller man.

“I’ve got Benavidez. I think he’s a beast – you have to be at an elite level to even be in the ring with him.”

Despite becoming the unified cruiserweight champion, Benavidez is definitely a more natural operator at 175 pounds, where he still holds the WBC belt.

Opetaia, on the other hand, is a legitimate 200-pound fighter and certainly boasts a significant size advantage over the Mexican-American.

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The WBA has 43 champions and is promising fewer again – for the fourth time in 13 years

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Gilberto Mendoza holding a WBA title belt inside a boxing ring during a championship presentation

The World Boxing Association says it wants fewer champions. Boxing heard the same thing in 2013.

More than a decade later, the organization is making the same commitment again, with 43 champions on its books.

The WBA announced this week that it remains committed to reducing the number of world champions while also seeking to tighten the championship structure.

The statement reads:

“The WBA remains committed to its goal of reducing the number of world champions and our recent decisions continue to move in that direction.

“In this context, it should be noted that the three recently announced fights have not yet been approved by the WBA.

“Following recent media reports regarding bantamweight, minimum and airy flyweight world title fights, the WBA clarifies that these fights have not yet received official approval.

“We will receive an official statement from the Championship Committee soon.”

Fourth time

To longtime observers, the announcement sounded familiar.

In 2013, WBA vice president Gilberto Mendoza told World Boxing News that the organization was considering the future of its controversial super and interim championships and considering ways to simplify its title structure.

The same conversation resurfaced in 2021 when the WBN removed WBA recognition from its championship lists amid concerns about multiple champions and title designations.

The recognition was later restored after improvements were made.

By 2024, the number of champions has increased again. Now, in 2026, the WBA is once again promising fewer champions.

Top position

The number is 43

This is where the latest commitment faces its biggest challenge after growing by 55 percent in recent years.

The WBA currently recognizes 43 titleholders in its divisions, including the super, regular, interim, recessionary and WBA Gold titles.

Just a few weeks ago, WBN documented how, despite repeated reform efforts, the number has increased from 27 champions in June 2024 to 43 in June 2026.

Former WBO president Paco Valcarcel recently described the WBA championship structure as a “joke” after bantamweight titleholder Seiya Tsutsumi publicly admitted he wasn’t sure where he was in the title picture.

The timing is intriguing because proposed changes to the Muhammad Ali Act would limit sanctioning bodies to one world title per division in the United States. If this ever happens, the days of multiple champions in the same weight class will be numbered.

Boxing heard this promise in 2013, heard it again in 2021, and heard it again in 2024.

Now, with 43 champions on the books, this is the fourth time he’s heard it.

After thirteen years, four reform drives and 43 WBA champions, she has reached the point where only results matter.


About the author

Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Since 2010, he has been interviewing world champions, breaking down international titles exclusively and reporting from the ring. His work is distributed on major platforms including Apple News. Read the full biography.

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