Press Release: March 19, 2026 By Most Valuable Promotions- MVP’s #1 IBF, WBC, WBA and #2 WBO contender Tamm Thibeault returns on main card vs. Brazil’s Nadja Jesus
MVP’s young sensation Krystal Rosado vs. Fernanda Reyes opens main card in battle of Puerto Rico vs. Mexico
MVP’s Jahmal Harvey, Wanna Walton, Nat Dove and Raquel Miller joined by Dunkirk, New York’s Elon De Jesus and Bellport, New York’s Alex Vargas in preliminary card bouts
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| Credit: Most Valuable Promotions |
NEW YORK, NY – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced the rest of the card for MVPW-02 which will mark the inaugural U.S. event for MVPW, taking place live on ESPN on Friday, April 17 at Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Joining the main card, MVP’s 2x Canadian Olympian, amateur world champion, and #1 IBF, WBC, WBA and #2 WBO contender Tamm Thibeault (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. Brazil’s Nadja Jesus (5-0, 3 KOs) in a 10-round bout at 160lbs in the middleweight division. Opening the main card, MVP’s young Puerto Rican sensation Krystal Rosado (8-1, 2 KOs) will face Fernanda Reyes (8-0) in an 8-round battle of Puerto Rico vs. Mexico in the bantamweight division at 118lbs. The event will be headlined by MVP’s unified super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner (17-1, 7 KOs) vs. WBA #4, IBF #6, and WBO #7 contender Bo Mi Re Shin (19-3-3, 10 KOs). The bout will be contested over 10 three-minute rounds for the unified WBA, WBO, and IBF world titles at 130 lbs. In the co-main event, MVP’s unified super middleweight world champion Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green (16-1, 11 KOs) will make a 10-round world title defense vs. IBF #2 and WBO #3 contender Lani Daniels (11-4-2, 1 KO) at 168lbs. MVPW on ESPN will always feature a main card composed entirely of female fighters, with an undercard including a mix of female and male bouts. MVPW-02 marks the inaugural U.S. event of MVPW, a new year-round global platform for women’s boxing from MVP, showcasing the sport’s most elite female fighters with championship bouts on every card. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
On the preliminary card, streaming exclusively on the ESPN App, MVP’s US Olympian and amateur world champion Jahmal Harvey (2-0, 1 KO) will face Argentina’s Leandro Medina (7-3-1, 4 KOs) in a 6-round lightweight bout at 135lbs. Also joining the preliminary card will be MVP’s 19-year-old multi-talented star Javon “Wanna” Walton vs. Brownsville, Texas’s Dionne Ruvalcaba (2-2, 1 KO) in a 6-round bout at 135lbs , MVP’s Nat “No Love” Dove (7-0-1, 2 KOs) vs. Maria Micheo (14-6, 8 KOs) in an 8-round flyweight bout at 112lbs (pending approval), and MVP’s undefeated Raquel “Pretty Beast” Miller (13-0, 6 KOs) will make her promotional debut vs. Brazil’s Adriana “Pitbull” Araújo (6-3, 1 KO) in a 6-round bout at 168lbs in the super middleweight division (pending approval). Dunkirk, New York’s Elon “El Leon” De Jesus (11-1-2, 8 KOs) will also face Plymouth, England’s Connor Adaway (10-2-1, 4 KOs) in an 8 round super bantamweight bout at 122lbs, and Bellport, New York’s Alex “El Toro” Vargas (14-0, 5 KOs) will face Dublin, Ireland’s Ryan “The Silent Assassin” O'Rourke (13-0, 3 KOs).
MVP’s standout Tamm Thibeault is currently the #1-ranked WBA, #1 IBF, #1 WBC, and #2 WBO middleweight contender. Originally from Shawinigan, Quebec, Canada, Thibeault began her boxing journey at the age of nine, inspired by seeing her father, a former CFL player, knock out an opponent during a Provincial boxing tournament. Following in his footsteps, she took up boxing at age 12 and was inspired to compete for Canada while watching the first women’s Olympic boxing competition during the 2012 London Olympics. The 28-year-old middleweight, a southpaw standing 6 feet tall, then forged an outstanding amateur career. A two-time Olympian, Thibeault made her Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, where she advanced to the quarterfinals of the women’s 75kg (165lb) event, matching Canada’s best-ever Olympic result in any women’s boxing event. She went undefeated until she returned to the Paris Olympics in 2024, earning gold medals at the 2022 Amateur World Championship, the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the 2023 Pan Am Games. Thibeault, who speaks French, English, and Spanish, completed a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies from Concordia University in 2023, which she earned over seven years while competing, then moved to Sheffield, England, where she earned a one-year Master’s degree in urban design and urban planning while training at the renowned Steel City Gym. Thibeault made her pro debut while competing under men’s rules, three-minute rounds, on the main card of MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 10 in December 2024, then returned to the ring in March 2025 as part of MVP’s first ever event in Canada, Most Valuable Prospects 11, where she again competed under men’s rules with three-minute rounds and won by knockout in the final second of the first round, proving again the impact of women competing with equal rules to men. Thibeault entered her third pro fight continuing to compete under equal rules over 8, three-minute rounds on the preliminary card of MVP's historic Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 all-women's card against then-#1 contender Mary Casamassa, winning by TKO to become the #1 contender with two sanctioning bodies following the bout—one of the fastest-rising world title contenders in history. She earned her most recent TKO win in September 2025 on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 15.
“I’m proud to be part of the first all-women’s main card on ESPN,” said Tamm Thibeault. “ESPN and MVP are making a statement by putting women’s boxing at the forefront, and on Friday, April 17, I’ll be ready to show my talent, my elegance, and exactly why I belong on this stage.”
Nadja Jesus Santos has represented Brazil in national and international competitions and is part of the new generation of athletes helping strengthen women’s boxing in the country. Born in Brazil, she developed an interest in sports at a young age and discovered boxing as both a passion and a path for personal growth. She advanced through regional competitions before representing her state and later Brazil in amateur tournaments, with an amateur record of 65 fights with 50 wins and 15 losses. She is a two-time Brazilian champion as well as the current Brazilian champion. Inside the ring, she is recognized for a tactical style that combines speed with defensive awareness. Her performances have contributed to the continued rise of women’s boxing in Brazil, helping inspire younger athletes to pursue the sport and further expanding opportunities for female fighters nationwide.
“Fighting in New York, at a major MVP event, is proof that all the work, sacrifice, and dedication are paying off,” said Nadja Jesus Santos. “Facing Tamm Thibeault will be a big challenge, but I am prepared and motivated to show my progress inside the ring. Representing my team, my country, and all the people who believe in me gives me even more strength. I will step into that ring with a lot of determination, heart, and desire to win. It is a huge opportunity, and I am ready to seize it.”
MVP’s rising bantamweight contender and Amanda Serrano’s protege, Krystal Rosado is a 23-year-old sensation and Carolina, Puerto Rico native who made her professional debut on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 2 show in August 2023, stunning fans with a ferocious second-round KO. Rosado went on to collect a win on MVP’s historic Serrano vs. Ramos card in October 2023 before appearing in front of her home fans at the legendary Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan as part of MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Ryan Bourland in March 2024, taking home a majority decision win, which she followed with a swift knockout victory at MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 7 in July 2024. She returned for Most Valuable Prospects 9 in October 2024 where she earned a UD win. Following another dominant UD win in March 2025, Rosado competed with three minute rounds—equal rules to men—during the fight week Open Workouts for MVP and Netflix’s Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 all-women’s mega-event, winning by unanimous decision. She most recently defeated Tania Walters on the Serrano vs. Tellez undercard in January 2026. She is currently ranked the WBA #5, WBO #8, IBF #10, and the WBC #17 contender.
“I know Fernanda Reyes is coming to fight like the proud Mexican warrior she is and to defend her undefeated record. But I’m coming to New York to give everything I have and continue the great momentum my team and I have been building,” said Krystal Rosado. “I’m ready to put on a spectacular show for the fans and prove once again why I belong at the top. With God on my side, I will step into that ring prepared for war and leave with my hand raised.”
Fernanda Jimena “Torita” Reyes Delgado is a Mexican boxer from Jiquipilco, Mexico who began boxing at the age of 13 after being inspired by her father. Her nickname, “Torita,” originally belonged to her late father, and she adopted it in his honor. Reyes Delgado developed a standout amateur career, compiling an impressive stated amateur record of 80 wins, 2 losses, and 4 draws while building a reputation for a style that blends technical skill with aggression and a willingness to exchange in the ring.
“I’m proud to be part of this historic event and facing a talented boxer like Krystal Rosado,” said Fernanda Reyes. “I am sure we will keep the tradition alive of an all out war between Puerto Ricans and Mexicans inside the ring. For those that don’t know me, don’t miss this one. I don’t step back, and I’m coming to win. I am ready to put on a show and come out victorious.”
“MVPW was created to give the best women in boxing the same platform, spotlight, and opportunity as male counterparts in the sport, and this card shows exactly what that looks like,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “We’re proud to have women leading the charge with MVPW. This is what true equality in the sport looks like. For years, women fought on the undercards of men’s events, and now the roles can be reversed, with the best female fighters headlining, supported by incredible male talent on the undercard. MVPW-02 highlights the incredible depth of talent in women’s boxing today and bringing this event to New York at Madison Square Garden and delivering it live on ESPN is another major step in establishing MVPW as the global home for women’s boxing.”
US Olympian and amateur world champion Jahmal Harvey (2-0, 1 KO) was introduced to boxing at age 13 by his football coach Darrell Davis, who also owned a boxing gym. After competing in both sports, Harvey, an Oxon Hill, Maryland native, soon went all-in on boxing and immediately proved his elite potential at the junior, youth, and amateur levels, becoming a 10x national champion. By 18, he was training and sparring with Olympians, including Keyshawn Davis and Duke Ragan. That same year, he captured gold at the 2021 Elite World Championships— becoming the first American male to win the world title since 2007, while competing as one of the youngest athletes in the tournament. The next year, he took home silver at the 2022 Continental Championships and continued to dominate at the international level in 2023, winning gold at the Santiago Pan American Games. The finish qualified him for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he finished as a quarter-finalist. The 22-year-old Harvey signed with Most Valuable Promotions ahead of his professional debut–a knockout win–on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 14 in August 2025, heralded as one of the top prospects in American boxing. He most recently earned a knockout win on the main Netflix card of MVP’s Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day in December 2025.
“I’m happy to be back on another great stage!” said Jahmal Harvey. “I’m looking to put on another skilled performance at the Mecca of boxing, MSG. Catch me live on ESPN on Friday, April 17.”
He will face Leandro Medina (7-3-1, 4 KOs), the 30-year-old from Rosario, Argentina. Medina returns to the ring following an active year. Fighting four times since July 2025, he notably earned two knockout wins, and most recently went the distance against rising contender Zaquin Moses in January 2026.
MVP’s 19-year-old multi-talented star Javon “Wanna” Walton (3-0-1, 1 KO) signed with MVP in July 2023 as an athlete under development before making his pro debut in 2024. As the youngest-ever athlete to sign with Nike’s Jordan Brand, Walton has continued to excel as a boxer. Walton began boxing at the age of four, and at age eight became one of America’s youngest amateur prospects, becoming a multi-time Junior Regional Champion and two-time Junior Olympic national silver medalist. The Atlanta native is also a world-renowned actor who captured international attention with his debut role as the beloved drug dealer “Ashtray” in the HBO Max Emmy-winning series Euphoria starring alongside Hollywood icons Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney, and has since continued to co-star in numerous other film and TV titles. He trains under his father and coach, DJ Walton.
“I’m back in action on Friday, April 17, and I’m hyped to be fighting at such a historic venue like MSG,” said Wanna Walton. “I’ve got strong ties to New York, so it’s the perfect place to showcase everything I’ve been working hard on since my last fight in September.”
Brownsville, Texas 22-year-old Dionne Ruvalcaba (2-2, 1 KO) began boxing at the age of 16 after facing bullying in school, turning to the sport as a way to build confidence, discipline, and resilience. Ruvalcaba competed in 15 amateur bouts, compiling a record of 8 wins and 7 losses while developing a traditional boxer’s style in the ring. Known for his discipline, coachability, and hunger for success, Ruvalcaba continues to develop his craft as a young fighter building his path in the sport.
Following her outstanding amateur career as a 15x US national champion, MVP’s Nat Dove (7-0-1, 2 KOs) has quickly emerged as one of women’s boxing’s most promising up-and-coming talents. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native first made waves on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects developmental series, competing at the 6th and 8th installments of the series. Dove made her first knockout against Michel Novas in March 2025, continuing to develop her undefeated record. She defeated Randee Lynn Morales by TKO in August 2025 on the MVP Fight Night card and most recently defeated Perla Lomeli on MVP’s Jake vs. Joshua Judgment Day Showcase in December. She is managed by Bob Kane, lives in Atlanta, Georgia and trains out of Philadelphia.
“MVPW brought boxing back to ESPN, and I’m blessed to be a part of it,” said Nat Dove. “I’m finally fighting close to home, NEW YORK WHAT UP!”
Maria “La Imparabla” Micheo (14-6, 8 KOs) comes to the ring from Corona, California. She began boxing at the age of 21 and competed in 50 amateur fights. As a pro, she is a two-time world title contender, who contested for the unified IBF and WBO minimumweight titles vs. Yokasta Valle in 2023, and the WBA minimumweight title vs. Senesia Estrada in December 2021, with additional notable fights against other top pound-for-pound fighters including Gabriela Fundora. She steps back into the ring following her latest two TKO wins in August and October 2025.
MVP’s Raquel “Pretty Beast” Miller is an undefeated professional boxer from San Francisco, California, boasting a record of 13-0 with 6 knockouts and a reign as former WBA Interim super welterweight world champion, currently ranked the WBC #2 contender at 168lbs. A standout talent from the moment she laced up gloves, Miller began boxing in her early 20s and, within just two years, captured the 2012 USA Boxing National Championship and a silver medal at the 2012 Women’s World Championships in Beijing. She also earned a bronze medal at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials and was selected to join the historic first-ever U.S. women’s boxing team for the London 2012 Olympic Games as an alternate. Beyond the ring, Miller is a driven entrepreneur and mentor. She is the founder of PB Brand, a luxury athletic line inspired by her “Pretty Beast” persona, and the co-founder of Ladies In Power, a Bay Area nonprofit empowering youth through mental health support, financial literacy, leadership training, and life skills development. Following her latest first-round TKO win in 2023, Miller took a break from boxing and now will make her return under the MVP banner.
“I’m excited to make my MVP debut on Friday, April 17 at Madison Square Garden,” said Raquel Miller. “Fighting on the Baumgardner vs. Shin card is a huge opportunity, and I’m ready to show the world why I belong on the big stage.”
Adriana Dos Santos Araújo is a 2x Brazilian Olympian who made history as the first Brazilian woman to win an Olympic medal in boxing. Raised in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, she grew up facing financial hardship and turned to sports as an outlet, initially playing soccer before discovering boxing in her late teens, where her natural talent and determination quickly stood out. Araújo rose through Brazil’s amateur ranks and reached a historic milestone at the 2012 London Olympic Games—the first Olympics to feature women’s boxing—where she won a bronze medal in the lightweight (60 kg) division, becoming the first Brazilian woman to stand on an Olympic boxing podium. She then returned to represent Brazil in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Following her Olympic success, Araújo transitioned to the professional ranks, competing internationally across multiple weight divisions and building a respected career known for her technical skill, speed, and resilience. Today, she is widely regarded as a pioneer of women’s boxing in Brazil, with her accomplishments inspiring a new generation of female fighters and expanding opportunities for women in combat sports across the country.
“I am very happy to be fighting at the best event in the world with MVP in New York, the company that takes care of us women,” said Adriana Araujo. “I am super excited and confident for this fight. I know that Raquel is a great fighter, but she knows who I am. I am training a lot and I will come out with the victory.”
Elon “El Leon” De Jesus (11-1-2, 8 KOs) is a 31-year-old hard-hitting super bantamweight prospect. A 2019 New York Golden Gloves Champion, DeJesus turned professional in 2020. He quickly earned a reputation as a dangerous fighter willing to test himself against tough opposition. With explosive power and a warrior’s mentality, he has delivered thrilling performances that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Proudly representing Dunkirk and Western New York, De Jesus carries the pride of his hometown into every fight. A determined and battle-tested boxer-puncher, Elon DeJesus is a rising force in the super bantamweight division, and a fighter to watch as he pursues his goal of becoming a world champion.
"I’m very excited to be a part of this event, fighting in Madison Square Garden is every fighter's dream! I appreciate MVP and my manager, Times Square Boxing, for making this opportunity happen,” said Elon De Jesus. “Training camp has been all work and no shortcuts. April 17th I step in that ring to make a statement. Every moment of sacrifice throughout the years led to this moment. I’m hungry, I’m prepared, and I’m coming for the win."
Connor Adaway (10-2-1, 4 KOs) is a 27-year-old rising contender from Plymouth, Devon, England who has built his professional résumé fighting across Europe, Asia, and now the United States. Adaway has made a strong impact fighting in Atlantic City, recently headlining an August 2025 card and defeating then 15-2 Emmanuel Rodriguez by eighth-round UD. He followed with another statement victory in November 2025, stopping then 20-3 Carlos Jackson by seventh-round TKO in another main event appearance.
“I’m excited and ready. I’ve had a great camp and I’ve put the work in,” said Connor Adaway. “Elon’s a tough fighter and I respect him, but I know what I’m capable of and I’m ready to show the level I belong at. Coming over from England to fight in America on a stage like Madison Square Garden is something fighters dream about. Especially on a huge MVP show, I’m grateful for the opportunity that they’ve given me but I’m not just coming to take part, I’m coming to make a statement and show everyone exactly who I am.”
Alex “El Toro” Vargas fights out of Bellport, New York. He began boxing at age six and built an accomplished amateur career highlighted by two Junior Olympic titles and a major victory at the New York Golden Gloves, where he won the 165lb title and was named Fighter of the Tournament. A standout multi-sport athlete and captain of the football and wrestling teams in high school, Vargas stepped away from boxing to pursue his education, earning degrees from Suffolk County Community College and SUNY Cortland, and studying Spanish in Colombia. After returning to the sport, he became a 2018 Golden Gloves finalist, then turned professional later that year, developing a reputation for slick footwork and speed while training alongside elite fighters including Richard Commey, Chris Colbert, Chris Algieri, and Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Outside the ring, Vargas serves his community as a police officer with the Suffolk County Police Department.
“I’ve been doubted my entire career, but that’s what motivated me,” said Alex Vargas. “Fighting at Madison Square Garden is a dream, and on Friday, April 17th it’s time to beat another undefeated fighter and prove I belong here.”
Ryan “The Silent Assassin” O’Rourke was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. With around 70 amateur bouts, he was a finalist at the prestigious Eindhoven Box Cup in 2019 and 2020 Irish National Boxing Championships semifinalist.He then turned pro, earning his first seven wins across the United Kingdom, Spain, and Brussels. He made his U.S. debut in April 2022 with a dominant six-round shutout over Faycal Rezkallah, then returned later that year to score a first-round TKO against Andreas Maier. A tall, rangy 140-pounder who uses his reach, angles, and body work effectively, O’Rourke most recently delivered a standout victory over Boubacar Sylla, further establishing himself as one of Ireland’s rising contenders.
”This is the sort of opportunity I’ve been waiting for. Big thanks to Joe DeGuardia, Sheer Sports and MVP for giving it to me,” said Ryan O’Rourke. “To come all the way from Ireland and fight in such and iconic venue like MSG is a dream come true, but these are the sort of cards and venues I've always seen myself boxing on, so on Friday, April 17th I’m coming to put on a standout performance and announce myself on the big stage.”
For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions.
About MVP
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) was founded in August 2021 by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian with a fighter first ethos. Since inception, MVP has produced 30 live boxing events, currently promotes nearly 60 fighters, 16 world champions, and 26 top contenders.
MVP has led boxing’s evolution in the streaming era through partnerships with the world’s leading platforms. In November 2024, MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2 was the first-ever live professional sports event streamed on Netflix. Paul vs. Tyson shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event of all time with 125 million live viewers worldwide. MVP went on to partner with Netflix twice in 2025 for MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 and Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day.
Today, MVP is the global home of women’s boxing. MVP’s Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano in 2022 was the first female fight to headline Madison Square Garden, while Taylor vs. Serrano 2 in 2024 saw 74 million viewers globally on Netflix and became the most-watched professional women’s sports event in US history with 47 million AMA in the US. Their 2025 trilogy on Netflix topped an all-women’s megacard that set the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most world championship belts ever contested on a single fight card, male or female, with 17 world titles, earning nearly 6 million viewers globally.
About ESPN
ESPN offers its full suite of networks and services directly to fans on the ESPN App, providing more choice, flexibility and access to all of ESPN, including more than 47,000 live events per year, on-demand replays, industry-leading studio shows and original programming, and more. The ESPN App gives fans a unique viewing experience that includes multiview and synchronized two-screen viewing options, swipe-able vertical video and a personalized SportsCenter For You, as well as integrated game stats, ESPN Fantasy sports, betting odds and information from DraftKings, sports merchandise, and more. These features are available to all fans who watch on the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices, whether they subscribe directly or through a pay TV package. Bundling options available for fans include a limited time offer for the ESPN DTC Unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. For more visit stream.espn.com.
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