Mikaela Mayer vs Chantelle Cameron: From Influencers to Queens of Women’s Boxing in Five Years (BBC Sport)
BBC Sport delves into the rise of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a boxing promotion company that has transformed the landscape of women’s boxing over five years.
To play this video, enable JavaScript in your browser.
This video cannot be played.
From Influencers to Champions
On 29 August 2021, MVP held its inaugural show in Cleveland, Ohio, featuring a controversial bout between online influencer Jake Paul and MMA fighter Tyron Woodley. This marked the beginning of MVP’s unique approach to boxing.
Just months later, MVP organized a rematch between Paul and Woodley in Tampa, Florida. However, MVP gained significant attention when it paired Mike Tyson, long past his prime, against Paul.
Despite these controversial choices, MVP’s reputation grew, focusing on promoting women’s boxing alongside its high-profile mixed martial arts events.
A New Chapter: Empowering Women in Boxing
MVP’s fifth-year anniversary card takes a different turn with five women’s bouts, including the unification fight between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron.
"Respect is the biggest change," says British boxer Caroline Dubois, reflecting on how MVP has changed the perception of female boxers.
Chantelle Cameron, who switched promotions from Queensberry to MVP, agrees, "MVP are taking over women’s boxing… They’ve been amazing." She credits MVP with providing her world title shot and a high-profile fight against Katie Taylor.
A Game Changer for Women’s Boxing
Before MVP, Cameron struggled to secure significant fights. However, under MVP, she has regained her momentum, facing top contenders like Patricia Berghult and Jessica Camara.
"The Katie Taylor fights will always go down in history… But it dipped," reflects Cameron. "MVP got me my Mayer fight… It’s all been so quick."
MVP’s journey from a controversial promoter to a significant force in women’s boxing is a testament to its impact on the sport, fostering growth and empowering female boxers.
