This past weekend Helene & Kristina headed to Tampa, Florida to cover the MVP: Jake Paul vs Mike Perry fight card.
Although yes we did have one of our ambassadors (Natasha Spence) on the card, we were invited to go as press on behalf of Sue Fox and the WBAN.
This event featured 2 female fights including the co-main event: Amanda Serrano vs Stevie Morgan & the headline of the preliminary card: Shadasia Green vs Natasha Spence.
Both opponents of the MVP signed athletes (Serrano & Green) had some obstacles in their way. Morgan (14-1) faced Serrano, a veteran of the sport with a record of 46-2-1 and deemed the most decorated female boxer. Spence went up a weight class to face off against Green who is currently ranked #2 in the world (super middleweight division).
Photo credit: Lia Brady
Friday night we attended the public weigh-ins featuring all of the fighters and the first face-offs before fight night! The fighters were ready to go and some got a little heated including the headliner- Paul vs Perry. The one very unique experience was when a crowd from Canada flew in for the Lucas Bahdi’s fight and were chanting his name from when he came out to when the weigh-ins ended - true Canadian pride!! 🇨🇦
Photo credit: Esther Lin/MVP
Watch our interview with Stevie Morgan HERE!
We were also lucky to run into Christy Martin (one of the pioneers of women’s boxing) and her wife Lisa as her promotional company had a fighter on the card: Tony Aguilar.
Saturday night was fight night! There were a total of 9 bouts on the card ranging in weight from Super Bantamweight (122lbs) to Cruiserweight (200lbs).
Green (14-1) vs Spence (8-4-2) was the first of the two female fights that evening. It was an exciting 8 round fight with the two exchanging back and forth each round. With 11KO’s for Green; her team was expecting another to add to her record, but Spence’s chin was strong enough to withstand her punches and her power.
Even though we were covering the 2 female fights of the night, we must mention the other Canadian fight that evening: Lucas Bahdi (Niagara Falls) vs Ashton Sylve. The fight was scheduled for 10 rounds, but Bahdi finished the fight in round 6 and so far deemed KO of the year!!
The co-main event was Serrano vs Morgan with cheering fans in the crowd split between local talent: Morgan and MVPs very own: Serrano. Morgan taking on her toughest opponent to date and Serrano competing in her 50th professional fight. On paper it seemed like a mismatched fight, but with Morgan newer to the professional world, her confidence at the press conference, and not much footage on her it was unknown - we eagerly anticipated what would happen!
The fight lasted only 38 seconds into the second round of a scheduled ten round fight, proving the fight was just that and Serrano’s experience clearly gave her the upperhand. We have to give credit where credit is due as Morgan took a chance on herself and tested her abilities, unfortunately it came up short in this fight but women in boxing have a harder time refusing fights by fear of not getting asked in the future. Additionally their careers (especially as Morgan started later in life) are/can be shorter and if you want those big fights and big achievements, you have to take them when the opportunities are given. She stepped up to the plate, but unfortunately it wasn’t her time.
We can’t finish by noting the main event of the evening: Jake Paul vs Mike Perry in a 8 round fight that ended in 6 rounds with a TKO by Paul. Although the card was put on by Paul’s very own MVP - the crowd favoured Mike Perry as he is a local (Orlando, Florida) - which made for a very interesting atmosphere and ending when Paul took home the W.
We attended the post-fight press conference featuring: Corey Marksman, Lucas Bahdi, Mike Perry, Amanda Serrano, and Jake Paul. The one thing that bothered both of us was the lack of questions for Amanda when it was her turn with Jake Paul. The percentage of female press was minimal, but the men still could have asked the most decorated female boxer more than two questions. This really showcased why we need more females in the sport in all areas to help elevate it.
After this dominant performance - we look forward to watching Amanda Serrano vs Katie Taylor 2 👊
*cover image above photo credit: Esther Lin/MVP
