Jake Paul

On how he felt during the fight and his challengers

“Man I felt good. I felt really sharp, fast, locked in, but I was just getting warmed up really. I am kind of disappointed to be honest. I want more, I want a challenge and we had someone with 20 fights and I just keep on getting these guys out of there in the first round. I train so hard, it’s a little bit disappointing for the fans as well. I want someone to test me so I can make some adjustments and show off some of my new skills. I didn’t really get to show anything. I did feel good, I just wanted more and we will go back to the drawing board and see who’s next.”

On Amanda Serrano’s injury

“It just goes to show the type of woman and type of warrior that Amanda is that she still wanted to fight with an exposed cornea and the skin burnt off of her eye. The chemical was also burning her hands, you can see the skin on her hands melting. She’s so tough, it’s very sad. I wanted nothing more than to support her and see her fight as well, but yeah it’s just an unfortunate series of events but I believe that everything happens for a reason and the universe will unveil that reason soon enough. But we will see and I am very thankful for everyone who did show up and we will have to run it back I guess.”

On Javon “Wanna” Walton’s performance

“Look, it happens in this sport, it’s the toughest sport in the world. You go out there in front of 16,000 people, he’s 17-years-old, adrenal rush happens. You can think you’re prepared for that big moment and it can be pulled out from underneath you, but I thought it was an absolute fucking robbery. How is that a  draw? At least three rounds to one, so that to me is bizarre, but the kid is a warrior and I’ve proven a loss doesn’t define my career and the draw won’t define him as well. He has a great family supporting him and MVP’s behind him.”

On returning to Puerto Rico

“Yeah, we plan on coming back here. We have to. Amanda is going to want that. I loved fighting here. The crowd was amazing, it gave me goosebumps when they were all chanting “Gallo” and it means the world. They welcomed me and were turnt up for me so we have to come back here and put on another event.”

On Krystal Rosado’s performance

“Krystal was amazing. She’s got a bright, bright future. [She faced a] fast, and a very tough opponent, an undefeated opponent. I thought she did amazing and she looks good out there and she’s sharp and I think that getting that experience of getting tested a little bit is something every fighter needs so that’s great for her. Same with Bomba, he did an amazing job, and just happy he brought it home for Puerto Rico.”

On Ryan Garcia’s social media post of a challenge

In a continuation of Nakisa Bidarian remarks

“Except he’s doing it off some cocaine. That boy is getting that shit straight from Colombia or something, because that shit’s strong. Ryan, I love you, you know that bro, but you gotta chill out bro, because there’s a line and you just seem like you’re losing your mind, acting thirsty and desperate, and saying you’re a billionaire when you’ve had one money fight. I’m just saying just chill bro. If you do want to fight, that’s to me light work. You got no footwork and as long as you’ve been in the game, I’m a better boxer than you.”

On potentially fighting in New York City

“Look, I want to come to NY. I want to fight at MSG, I have to, it’s the mecca. It would be such an honor to fight there. We had something planned there and my opponent pulled out unfortunately, but I will be in New York City and will have an empire state of mind there.”

On potentially facing Indian boxer Neeraj Goyat

“I don’t know when it will happen, but I for sure want to go to India and he is the most viral fighter online and that speaks volumes. I would love to go to India and fight him and make that happen. We’ll just see when the timeline makes sense.”

On other potential challengers

“I am going to stay as active as possible and it’s about finding the right opponent. This is my life now and it’s a lifestyle and I’ll be back hopefully two more times before the end of the year. 

Anyone [from the UFC] who can get out of their contract,  I’ll fight. That’s easy work as far as I am concerned. I do want to do a PFL-MMA match, just has to be the right opponent but Nate did duck my $15 million offer so we’ll see who else is on the chopping block. Tony Ferguson? He said he wanted to fight?

I don’t want to see him go out like that, that would be said. He’s a great guy, we don’t want that for Tony.”

Nakisa Bidarian

On event success and refund of fans in attendance

“Thank you everybody for being here. Thank you for the support throughout this entire process. For MVP, Jake Paul, myself, and of course Amanda Serrano. We want to thank our brand partners throughout this event. Puerto Rico tourism company, the district, Puerto Rico Junte Boricua, Loteria de Puerto Rico, OnlyFans and of course, Celsius, which is our official energy drink partner.

Today’s event achieved a gate of $1.511 million, so one million, five-hundred and eleven thousand. Breaking the Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano gate record. Breaking the Jake Paul-Tyron Woodley in Cleveland gross sales as well as WWE Backlash that happened here last year, so I’d like to give a round of applause to Amanda, Nina and Jake for that achievement. With that said, Jake and I, and Amanda, have made the decision to refund 100% of the $1.511 million to the fan base, so one million, five-hundred and eleven thousand will be refunded to all fans in attendance who seek a refund. We appreciate the support. Everyone got a chance to see eight fights, and ultimately the main event was not meant to be.

On Amanda Serrano’s injury 

Amanda’s eye was irritated on Friday due to a hair product she used on Thursday evening. MVP was notified of this Friday afternoon. She had a private doctor visit her Friday night and they felt with the prescribed drops the irritation in the eye would subside and allow her to perform.

Amanda came to the arena with the intention to fight given her eye was starting to feel better. MVPs position was that she will be examined by the fight night Commission appointed physicians and they determine if she could compete.

Doctors determined her vision was impaired near the end of Wanna Walton’s bout and would not approve her to fight. We then had a responsibility to communicate to all impacted constituents involved in the event and determine how best to communicate it to the fans in attendance and those watching at home.

Listen, the island has been a big supporter of Amanda since we started working with her two and a half years ago. This is the time for the people of Puerto Rico to get behind Amanda Serrano and show how much they really care about her. She wanted nothing more than to come here and fight in front of her fans. Her heart is broken, her pride is broken, but she’s determined to come back here and have the last fight of her career, she has promised, will be in Puerto Rico. She is the one who drove the decision, first and foremost, to refund every single fan. Jake and I obviously, 100% supported it, but no one should feel that they got anything other than an unbelievable experience thanks to Amanda Serrano.”

On a potential return for Amanda Serrano

“Do we think it will be Meinke or another opponent? It will depend on how the next couple of years of the end of Amanda’s career progress. She still has a desire to fight Katie Taylor, of course she’s going to have a desire to fight Nina Meinke. I think it just depends  on the timing. What I do know for sure is that she wants to have the last fight of her career to be here. So we have to have the right opponent and if the fans want to see that fight, then we will try to make that fight, but it just really depends on how everything else goes over the next few months. First priority is getting her eye healed. 

I think before her career is done, she would like to do her final fight at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico. So I don’t know if the next fight is her final fight, or if she fights somewhere else and does that last fight, or if she has three fights…TBD. Right now the focus is on her health.”

On Javon “Wanna” Walton’s performance

“It’s just a better story now right? It’s a lot sweeter when he comes back and shows everyone this is a win he should’ve gotten, to Jake’s point, he got robbed, all the same, he’s going to be focused on boxing for the rest of his career.”

On Ryan Garcia social media posts

“Ryan Garcia is basically playing the Jake Paul playbook. He’s learning everything that he does and says and acts from what Jake Paul has already done.”

On potentially facing Indian boxer Neeraj Goyat

“He literally had fans at the weigh-in, those weren’t fans that had anything to do with MVP, those were fans of Neeraj Goyat coming to support him at Jake Paul’s weigh-in.”

Closing remarks

“We want to thank all of you, the media of Puerto Rico, and the media that came from abroad, for covering this event, giving it the exposure that it deserves. Giving Jake the coverage that he deserves for the work that he’s doing on the island, for the support he’s showing Puerto Rican fighters, and obviously the love and support for Amanda Serrano. We are going to stick by her. We are going to come back here in a big way with her and we’re excited for her future to continue with MVP.”

Krystal Rosado 

On her win over Gloria Munguilla

“She came tough, that’s exactly what we trained for. We trained for whatever might be possible. It was a very nice experience and yeah, I really enjoyed it.”

On her fight length and if she prefers three minute rounds over two minute rounds

“Absolutely, we are going to keep on going with three minutes. Two minutes can go by very quickly. In three minutes, it gives you a chance to think and be a bit more strategic. If I had to choose, I’d stick with three minutes.”

Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez 

On returning to the ring after roughly 16 months 

“There was almost a year and three months out of the ring. I don’t want to take anything away from my opponent. There was a lot of clinching. I had been out with a lot of different problems and illnesses here and there but yeah, I just need to be more active.”

On Amanda Serrano injury

“It’s a very complicated subject. Amanda is a warrior. I know she is going to come back and I know very soon that MVP will set something up for her here in Puerto Rico and she will come back much stronger.”

On his plan going forward

“We are going to have to figure things out. I know a lot was said about my weight and a lot of questions about me making weight. I have to consult with my medical team and get with my team. There are a lot of opportunities out there,  I may move to 112 but its still uncertain and I still need to figure out what’s going to happen.”

Nina Meinke

On hearing about her fight being postponed

“Well I found out just before the fight. Absolutely gutted about it. Yeah, I prepared for so many weeks now, put in so much work. Obviously I am devastated but this is not the way we all wanted it to end, but we really wish for a speedy recovery so we can get this fight to happen. I hope it is just postponed and MVP will speak to my promoter and make another date for the fight. I think this is what the people want to see now, and I am ready, and I am ready whenever she is. 

On when she found out

I found out about an over before the fight. I was ready to fight and then, well, yeah, big disappointment. If I can say, for me, it’s very sad but all the way until this point, I really enjoyed the journey. I really enjoyed Puerto Rico. I love Puerto Rico.”

On her reaction to Amanda Serrano injury

“Yeah, of course. That’s why I am here. It didn’t happen so I want to go into the ring with Amanda and take the belt. This is what I am here for and it didn’t work out this time the way we wanted it to. I hope there will be another date and I hope that we can fix this as soon as she feels better and everything is okay. I hope that she’s okay.”

On what she would say to Amanda

“I would tell her, I’m waiting for you. I haven’t talked to her yet, we only had a quick meeting inside the ring and I am here, I am waiting for you.”

On her experience and Puerto Rico

“The people have been so nice, the warmth of the people here is unreal, the atmosphere was amazing. It’s a shame we couldn’t fight in front of this crowd because everything felt right. I hope the match will be in Puerto Rico because I think the people deserve that and they all came out to support us. It would be a shame if it wasn’t, just for the people as well, because it’s been lovely to be here, and I hope to come back.”

After almost three years the featherweight champion, Amanda Serrano, will fight again in Puerto Rico. This Saturday she will defend her World Boxing Association (WBA) belt, in addition to the IBF and WBO versions against Nina Meinke at the Miguel Argrelot Coliseum, in San Juan, in the main event.

The home fighter will make a new exhibition in her country, where she last fought against Daniela Bermudez in March 2021. Most of Serrano’s career has taken place in the United States, where she has left her flag high and has written her history as one of the best of all time.

Now she will return home for a 12-round, 3-minute bout, her second in a row, with the likes of Jake Paul joining her on the card. Serrano will take part in the main event and will try to keep her winning streak, which now stands at four wins with her last loss coming in 2022 against Katie Taylor in a lightweight fight.

Meinke comes as a visitor and has been preparing in the Dominican Republic to get used to the Caribbean climate. The 30-year-old German comes in with six straight wins and with the intention of hurting the local’s party, a tough challenge but one for which she is fully motivated and confident.

Other young prospects like Krystal Rosado or the young Javon Walton will be in action in this great event that promises to be a full house in San Juan. Serrano has a record of 46 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw and 30 knockouts, while Meinke has 18 wins, 3 losses and 4 knockouts.Serrano to fight at home vs. Meinke.

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – January 30, 2024 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced international superstar Jake “El Gallo de Dorado” Paul (8-1, 5 KOs) will face professional boxer Ryan “The Rhino” Bourland (17-2, 6 KOs) on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the legendary Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico as Paul continues to face more experienced opponents on the path to becoming a world champion. Paul vs. Bourland, an 8-round cruiserweight fight, will be the co-main event alongside Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs) vs. Nina Meinke (18-3, 4 KOs), presented by CELSIUS Live Fit. Essential Energy, which marks Amanda Serrano’s first fight in Puerto Rico since becoming the island’s first undisputed world boxing champion, male or female. Bourland, Paul’s toughest match to date, brings years of experience and success to the ring against Paul in his 20th professional bout with more wins and knockouts than any of Paul’s previous opponents. Serrano vs. Meinke, featuring Paul vs. Bourland, will be offered as part of the DAZN subscription package to ensure it is affordable and accessible to fans worldwide, with Jake Paul also set to donate his full fight purse to his nonprofit, Boxing Bullies, to renovate youth boxing gyms across Puerto Rico. Tickets are now on sale at Ticketera.com.

Paul vs. Bourland will mark Paul’s first entrance into the ring this year following his most impressive performance to date on Friday, December 15, in which he secured a viral, first round knockout of three-time Golden Glove winner Andre August for his ninth professional win. Paul showed tremendous growth as a boxer on his path to becoming a world champion and added another highlight to his already impressive reel. Since turning pro in 2020, Paul has collected multiple accolades for his commitment to the sport of boxing, including ESPNRingside’s 2021 Knockout of the Year, Sports Illustrated’s 2021 Breakout Boxer of the Year, ESPNRingside’s 2022 Viral Moment of the Year, and was the cover of Sports Illustrated’s “The 50 Most Influential Figures in Sports” issue, awarded specifically for his groundbreaking work to revolutionize the sport through equitable pay, providing a platform for young fighters, and his support of female boxers. Paul also recently announced a partnership with USA Boxing ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, continuing his mission to elevate the sport and its future champions.

Paul also continued his record-breaking streak in his latest fight by achieving the highest recorded gate for a boxing event in Orlando’s history. Paul vs. August also broke the record for highest average ticket price, matching the average ticket price of Paul’s latest fight vs. Nate Diaz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The upcoming Serrano vs. Meinke and Paul vs. Bourland event is expected to be yet another record-shattering night for Paul, Serrano, and Most Valuable Promotions.

“I’ve always said my goal is to become a world champion. I beat a pro boxer in December in the first round, someone who’s been boxing their entire life, and what did I do next? I went straight back to camp to get ready to face my next opponent, a professional boxer who has twice as many professional fights under his belt than I do,” said Jake Paul. “It’s a new year, it’s an even better me, and I’m facing an even more experienced, seasoned boxer on Saturday, March 2 as co-main to the Puerto Rican GOAT, Amanda Serrano. I’m fighting for experience, not for the money, and to show my love for this beautiful island I’ll be donating my entire fight purse from this event to my nonprofit Boxing Bullies to help renovate gyms across Puerto Rico.”

Ryan “Rhino” Bourland, born June 17, 1988 has a professional boxing record of 17-2-0 (6 KO). He grew up in Vallejo, California where he started learning how to box in the sixth grade. Ryan had over 15 amateur bouts, was a Golden Gloves Champion and fought in the National Junior Olympics. Ryan’s professional boxing record began at age 25. Ryan was recognized as Northern California’s Fighter of the year by Inside The Ropes Boxing in 2016. In 2018 Ryan won the regional light heavyweight GBO title in his fight against Jose Hernandez II. Throughout Ryan’s career he has always given back to the community by coaching boxing to local youth and adults. Ryan was featured sparring in the movie “Pride Jewel” (2022). Bourland comes to the ring vs. Paul off a three-fight winning streak, including his latest bout against Santario Martin, which Bourland ended with a decisive fifth round knockout. Martin previously went the distance with Paul’s last opponent, Andre August. At 17-2 with six KO’s, Bourland has proven his tenacity and skill in the ring. With just two losses in his professional career, Bourland is a determined and steady fighter and is Paul’s toughest opponent to date. 

“Jake Paul steps into the ring with his social media clout, but let’s not mistake followers for experience or skill,” said Ryan Bourland. “While he’s been busy chasing likes, I’ve been honing my craft for years, stepping into the ring and beating real boxers. On Saturday, March 2 I will shock the world and put an end to Jake Paul’s boxing career.”

“Jake Paul has broken record after record and in this fight, he’s once again showing what a tremendous person he is as well,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of MVP. “Not only is Jake taking on yet another more experienced professional boxer in Ryan Bourland, but he’s also supporting Amanda Serrano as she headlines this historic event at the legendary Coliseo de Puerto Rico, demonstrating his and MVP’s commitment to equality in the sport. I applaud Jake’s continued commitment to giving back to the youth after he announced he is donating his entire purse from this fight to Boxing Bullies so the organization can continue their mission of renovating boxing gyms to give boys and girls a positive environment to learn. The world continues to watch Jake, and he continues to deliver. Thank you to DAZN for working with us to make this event available to fans around the world and to Celsius for their continued support and partnership. Serrano vs. Meinke featuring Paul vs. Bourland is going to be historic and we can’t wait to bring this amazing card to Puerto Rico.”

Also featured on the Serrano vs. Meinke and Paul vs. Bourland card on Saturday, March 2 will be Javon “Wanna” Walton, who will make his highly-anticipated global debut as MVP’s latest signee, WBO junior flyweight world champion Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez (27-3-1, 14 KOs) vs. fellow Puerto Rican talent Rene Santiago (12-3, 9 KOs), and finally in a battle of Puerto Rico vs. Mexico, the young, super flyweight sensation Kystal Roado (2-0, 1 KO), is set to face 5-0 Gloria Munguilla in the toughest test yet of her career. Rosado’s fight will be 4 x 3:00, following Amanda’s lead of fighting 3 minute rounds. The event marks Amanda Serrano’s first fight in Puerto Rico since becoming undisputed champion, with a sellout crowd expected to honor her as Puerto Rico’s first-ever undisputed world boxing champion, male or female. Serrano will fight for the second time at 12×3, the men’s championship standard, in defense of her unified IBF, WBO, WBA, IBO, and Ring Magazine featherweight world titles. In a true commitment to change for women’s boxing, Serrano recently vacated her WBC title, as the sanctioning body does not support women’s choice for 12×3.

Serrano vs. Meinke is MVP’s latest women’s championship fight as the company works to establish equity across the sport. The bout follows Amanda Serrano’s first-ever 12×3 unified championship fight in October and the Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green vs. Franchón Crews-Dezurn WBC super middleweight and WBA Interim world title bout in December. 

Serrano vs. Meinke will air live globally on DAZN. Spartan Boxing INC. will serve as the official licensed promoter of Serrano vs. Meinke. This event is sponsored by CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy. For more information, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @MostVPromotions, and @DAZNBoxing or on Instagram via @JakePaul, @rhino707, @MostValuablePromotions, and @DAZNBoxing.

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About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

Most Valuable Promotions was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP have produced Jake Paul’s last five global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Diaz match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, recently earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About DAZN

DAZN is a leading digital sports platform in Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Japan, Canada, US and the UK.? Its wide range of exclusive content includes top-flight football from the world’s most popular competitions – Bundesliga, English Premier League, J.League, LaLiga, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League, in addition to the biggest sports from around the world – Formula 1, NFL, NBA, MotoGP and the UFC.? 

DAZN is the NFL’s global partner and, from the 2023 season, will be the only place for fans around the world to watch every NFL match through the NFL Game Pass International add-on subscription. DAZN is a global home for boxing and combat sports through its partnerships with Matchroom Boxing the Professional Fighters League, and a global home for Women’s Football with UEFA Women’s Champions League and Finetwork Liga F.? DAZN is adding more and more sport to its platform to create a destination for sports fans.?

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DAZN is reimagining the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, bet, play, share, socialize, and buy tickets, NFTs and merchandise. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.?

DAZN is available on most connected devices including smart TVs, set-top boxes, streaming sticks, smartphones, tablets, PCs and game consoles, ensuring that fans have access to a ground-breaking rights catalog and slate of incredible content. In the UK and globally, DAZN can be accessed on Samsung, LG, Sony and Panasonic Smart TVs and on Games Consoles including PlayStation and Xbox. Subscribers also have access to DAZN on their Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast and Apple TV and can find the app on their iPhone, iPad, and android mobile devices. DAZN is available as an Amazon Channel on Amazon Prime TV and can be viewed on Channel 429 on Sky in the UK and Ireland.   

DAZN is a global, privately-owned company with employees in over 25 countries. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit?www.dazngroup.com.??

Amanda Serrano

On what to expect from Nina Meinke in the ring

“I’m expecting what every female fighter comes to do. That’s to fight. [Nina] has an opportunity to win all my belts, to show the world that she’s capable of beating Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano. I know she’s a tough, durable fighter and a very talented and skilled fighter, but I believe it’s going to be a great fight between both of us. Both of us really want this and we’re gonna prove to the world that there’s no backing down.”

On fighting at home in Puerto Rico

“Pinch me. It’s so surreal looking around and to be back at home as the Main Event. I am super honored. Thank you so much to MVP for putting on an amazing show and for putting me as the main event with Jake Paul as co-main event. He’s such a gentleman that he said, “this is your Island,” so he’s given me the opportunity and I’m super excited to be here, to have an amazing opponent, to come out and showcase women’s boxing once again. I can’t wait for Saturday, March 2nd. It’s going to be a beautiful night here in Puerto Rico.”

On giving up the WBC featherweight belt

“That definitely wasn’t a very easy decision for me. You know I worked so hard for all these belts, all these titles. And so to give up something that you really love and work hard for… It hurts. But if you believe in something you have to take a stand. I believe that women need equality. The first step was performing and succeeding and doing the 12-three minute rounds. And I think I just needed to do what I had to do. All these other organizations are supporting me 100%. So I believe in it and I took the stand and hopefully the WBC will come around one day.”

On Jake insisting Amanda be Main Event

“I’m used to performing, going out and sitting and watching Jake perform. Now it’s the opposite… I don’t mind being co-main event, and he said there’s no way in the world that he was going to be the main event. This is my Island. So I’m truly thankful for this opportunity. But it’s going to be kind of weird because it’s not only Jake that’s fighting, I have Krystal, Bomba, and Wanna and I have to watch all those fights before my fight. So, I’m gonna be a nervous wreck in the locker room, but I’m gonna be ready to go out there and perform.’

Jake Paul

On fighting in Puerto Rico

“It’s surreal. All the people here are so nice, and lovely. Meeting Amanda Serrano changed my life, and it’s an honor to support her in this big moment in front of her hometown, her home crowd. And it’s just an honor to be part of this amazing event – which, hopefully, should be the biggest event in Puerto Rican boxing history. It’s going to be a night to remember. I’m super happy, and grateful, even for all the people who came out here today, and showing support.”

On being co-main to Amanda’s main event

“She’s the queen of the island, and I’m just the supporting character on March 2^nd. This is her night to create history and put on a show, and I’m just happy to be along for the ride. I think most people are going to be rooting for Amanda Serrano, so she’s the main event, and I’m happy to support and be a part of that. That’s what I wanted, and to just take a backseat.”

On his Saturday, March 2 opponent

“He didn’t want to come today, because he said he just wanted to train – which I respect. He didn’t want to fly all the way here, he’s focused in the gym. But, he’s a professional boxer with an even better record than Andre August, and there will be an announcement coming soon. It’s another step up in competition, he’s won regional titles, etc. It’s another step up in competition and continuing to challenge myself on March 2^nd.”

On Neeraj Goyat

“Neeraj has made some noise. His callout video got 25M views. He’s India’s biggest and best boxer. So, it is interesting to me. It could be fun to go over to India, and knock him out in his home country. Maybe one day, but we’ll see.”

On his work with Boxing Bullies & donating his entire fight purse to Boxing Bullies

“Boxing helped save my life and put it on a good track and give me confidence. And I feel the need to share that with as many kids as possible. Because I believe if it helped me, it could help anyone out there. So that’s why I started Boxing Bullies, to grow the sport within the youth and get as many boxing gloves into as many kids hands as possible, and, to renovate gyms. We’ve renovated a gym in La Perla here, a gym in Dorado, and the mission keeps on getting bigger. We’re going to continue to renovate more gyms – I’m actually going to be donating my entire fight purse to Boxing Bullies, to renovate more gyms in Puerto Rico.”

“It’s the least I can do. Boxing Bullies has helped so many people already, and I want to continue the mission. One of the gyms is going to be an Amanda Serrano gym. So, I’m pretty excited about that and just continuing to grow the mission.”

Nakisa Bidarian

On arranging the Saturday, March 2 Serrano vs. Meinke fight in PR

“When we started working with Amanda a little over two years ago, it’s interesting that her first co-main event with us was her going to Jake’s hometown in Cleveland. He debuted in Cleveland against Tyrone Woodley, and Amanda Serrano was the co-main. So we talked to Amanda about giving her the proper homecoming that she deserves, given she is one of the greatest boxers of all time. It was always about coming to the Coliseo the right way, and giving her the platform to show the world how this island supports its biggest stars – male or female.”

On Jake’s opponent for Saturday, March 2

“We plan to announce on January 30. As you can imagine, matching Jake Paul is not an easy task. Because, never in the history of boxing has someone’s career in such an early stage been scrutinized in the way his has. In his 9^th fight, he fought a gentleman who was 10-1. A 10-1 boxer. Oscar de la Hoya, who is one of the greatest boxers in history, who had many amazing moments in boxing – in his 10^th fight, he fought a guy who was 10-4-3.  The legend of Puerto Rico, Tito, Felix Trinidad, in his 10^th fight, fought someone that was 10-4. They are unbelievable champions, and I think Jake aspires to be the same. But given the amount of attention that his fights get globally, we have to continuously find the right opponents that put him in a position that other fighters haven’t been through in this stage of his career.”

On Jake Paul donating his entire fight purse to Boxing Bullies

“He’s donating his entire purse to renovate gyms in Puerto Rico. A lot of people do a lot of good things, but this young man turned 27 yesterday, he was filming with Amanda all day long, and he said to me last night, ‘I want to donate my entire purse and do more for the youth on this island to experience boxing the right way.’ So, thank you, Jake.”

On Jake Paul’s fight schedule in 2024

“Our current plans are for him to fight in March. If he’s victorious, the plan is for him to fight in June or July again.”

Nina Meinke

On getting the opportunity to fight Amanda Serrano

“It was great, it was absolutely amazing. As soon as we got the information that we’re going to fight Amanda Serrano, I was right back in the gym preparing for it. It’s great to be here.” 

On fighting before an Amanda-supporting crowd

“This is boxing, and it’s all about the atmosphere, and it motivates me a lot, so I can’t wait for a full Coliseo, which I think is going to be sold out. I’m really looking forward to it.”

On the atmosphere in Puerto Rico

“I have to say, I’ve noticed it already: everyone is super friendly, and seriously this is what we need in boxing. It’s the support you get, even though we’re opponents. They just appreciate us as boxers, so I’m really happy.”

On fighting 12×3 and how she’s training for it.

“Well first of all, much respect for Amanda that she started all the equality in boxing. This is what we need. It’s not just talk — it’s doing it. I’m very proud to be part of it now, and for me it was no question not to do it. It doesn’t really change a lot for me, because I train with men anyway and we train three-minute rounds. The training is obviously more intense now, but still, I’m used to three-minute rounds. Like I said, I’m really proud to be part of this movement for women’s boxing.”

On how she can beat Amanda Serrano

“Well of course [Amanda is] a very strong boxer and I really respect her. But I’m also a very skilled fighter. I had a long amateur career and fought over 70 fights, so I’m also an experienced boxer. This is going to be a great fight. We will show the world that women’s boxing is very good and strong.”

Giving a gift to Amanda

“I’m so happy to be here. Thanks to MVP and my promoter and my team. We’ve got a little present for Amanda, which I’d like to give to her. [Shows gift] This is the Berlin Bear. It’s a symbol of our city, and I’d like to give it to you.”

Bomba Gonzalez

On fighting at home and on the Serrano vs. Meinke Card

First think, thank God. I’m happy to be on this big card on March 2. It’s a big opportunity to do my third defense in Puerto Rico. It’s been 7 years, and I have not fought in Puerto Rico. What’s bigger than the Choliseo? Over 19,000 people. I’m happy. I’m going to be ready.

On his upcoming fight vs. Rene Santiago on Saturday, March 2

Rene Santiago is a good boxer. I know he’s coming ready. This is his first chance and opportunity. I’m waiting for the best from Santiago. Same as me, I’m working hard with Amanda and Jordan and my father. We’re going to be 100%. I’m not struggling to make weight – I’m going to make that clear. I’m going to make weight March 1, and I’m going to become super champion at 108 pounds. 

On signing with Amanda Serrano

It’s big- this is the first time I have a manager, and they’re doing well. I feel happy, and I feel that my career is going in a good [direction]. I’m so happy, man, and just looking forward to what’s next. Krystal Rosado

On fighting at home in Puerto Rico

“I am very excited to be here in my hometown and home island of Puerto Rico with my people, with their support, which I know I have.”

On Fighting 3 min rounds

Just like Amanda Serrano has done, [placing] women’s boxing next to men’s boxing, I believe that it is important to keep that tradition up, to show that we are just as worthy and valuable in this sport as men are. 

On if she’s nervous to fight before a crowd of 19,000 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico

More than anxious, I’m very enthusiastic to show what I can do in front of my people, but my training keeps me from feeling the nervousness that typically people might feel. But the bottom line is: I’m not nervous. I’m enthusiastic.

NEW YORK, NY – December 21, 2023 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced unified featherweight champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs) will make her long-awaited return to Puerto Rico vs. IBF mandatory challenger Nina Meinke (18-3, 4 KOs) on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the legendary Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico, live globally on DAZN. This event, sponsored by CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy, marks Amanda Serrano’s first fight in Puerto Rico since becoming undisputed champion, with a sellout crowd expected to honor her as Puerto Rico’s first-ever undisputed world boxing champion, male or female. Serrano will fight for the second time at 12×3, the men’s championship standard, in defense of her unified IBF, WBO, WBA, IBO, and Ring Magazine featherweight world titles. In a true commitment to change for women’s boxing, Serrano recently vacated her WBC title, as the sanctioning body does not support women’s choice for 12×3. 

Co-headlining alongside Serrano will be international superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul (8-1, 5 KOs) who will continue his path towards becoming cruiserweight world champion in his 10th professional fight fresh off his first-round KO of professional boxer Andre August. Making his highly-anticipated global debut on the Saturday, March 2 card will be MVP’s latest signee, multi-talented featherweight boxer, actor, and model Javon “Wanna” Walton. Also competing on Serrano vs. Meinke will be Serrano’s first two signed Puerto Rican fighters, WBO junior flyweight world champion Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez (27-3-1, 14 KOs), who will make his third defense of his title, and the young super flyweight sensation Krystal Rosado (2-0, 1 KO). Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, December 27th at 9:00am ET on Ticketera.com. There will be a kickoff press conference on Thursday,  January 18th in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico as part of the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián. The press conference will feature all of the star athletes from the event.

Amanda Serrano, the first-ever Puerto Rican undisputed world champion, started her current featherweight title reign by defeating Heather Hardy in a brutal 10-round fight in 2019 to win the WBO belt, and has since defended her WBO belt six times. Serrano offered Hardy redemption in August 2023, but successfully defended her undisputed featherweight world champion title for the first time in a decisive 10 round unanimous decision victory. Serrano also won a blood-soaked war against WBA featherweight champion Erika Cruz in February 2023, which made her the undisputed featherweight champion. Serrano’s decisive win against Cruz followed her previous win over Sarah Mahfoud in Manchester, England that added the Dane’s IBF title to her WBO, WBC, and IBO featherweight belts. Her historic clash against Katie Taylor at Madison Square Garden in 2022 earned recognition as Sports Illustrated’s Fight of the Year and The Ring’s Event of the Year and was further nominated for Event of the Year by Sports Business Journal. Most recently, Serrano took home a unanimous decision victory against her mandatory WBO challenger Danila Ramos, making history in the first-ever women’s unified world championship to be fought over 12, three-minute rounds, equal to any men’s championship fight, and marking the first time a women’s fight has gone the full 12×3. Serrano threw a career high of 1103 punches in the bout.

“It is absolutely a dream come true to fight and headline at home at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, and it is my biggest honor to have been the first-ever undisputed champion, male or female, from our beautiful island,” said Amanda Serrano. “I’m excited to prove my greatness and make history again in the ring at the Choliseo over 12, three-minute rounds. Thank you to the IBF, WBO, WBA, IBO, and Ring Magazine, Most Valuable Promotions, and my team for making this possible. A special thank you to Jake Paul, who gave me an opportunity to fight as his co-main many times and allowed me to show my skills to the world. I am honored to have Jake as my co-main for the first time.”

Nina “The Brave” Meinke, the Berlin, Germany native, comes to the ring ready to rise to the challenge Serrano presents and make history as the second-ever women’s unified championship fight set for 12 rounds with three minute rounds. The IBF mandatory featherweight challenger has garnered recognition throughout Europe following a series of interim title fights, most recently claiming the WBA Gold World Featherweight title against Japan’s Kimika Miyoshi in June 2023 and the IBF Inter-Continental Featherweight title against Laura Ledezma in October 2023. 

“My team and I have wanted this fight for a long time,” said Nina Meinke. “Finally we got it and I am happy, well trained and motivated to be the first female boxer from Germany to go the 12 round distance. Amanda Serrano is an outstanding person who has already made such a big change to women’s boxing and the fight for equal rights, so I am more than proud to be a part of that movement. Of course I am going to support it with all my heart and show the world women are just as capable in going 12 rounds at 3 minutes. I will be the best version of myself on this day and I am ready to make it a great fight! And new!” 

Jake Paul makes his triumphant return to the ring on Saturday, March 2nd following his first round KO obliteration of Andre August on December 15th, a jaw dropping right uppercut sure to be a KO of the year contender. Paul’s co-main appearance on Serrano vs. Meinke will continue to showcase Paul’s ongoing journey to become a world champion. Facing his first loss at the hands of Tommy Fury in February by a contentious split decision, Paul found himself back on top in August, defeating Nate Diaz by unanimous decision, before his first-round finish against August. In just three years since turning pro, Paul has collected multiple accolades, including ESPNRingside’s 2021 Knockout of The Year, Sports Illustrated’s 2021 Breakout Boxer of the Year, and ESPNRingside’s 2022 Viral Moment of the Year. Paul also earned distinction on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s August 2023 issue, “The 50 Most Influential Figures in Sports,” for his success in the ring, his groundbreaking work to revolutionize pay equality in boxing, and his support of female fighters and boxing prospects through Most Valuable Promotions alongside co-founder Nakisa Bidarian. 

“Fighting for the first time at home in Puerto Rico alongside one of the greatest fighters ever, Amanda Serrano, promises to be the event of a lifetime,” said Jake Paul. “I’m honored to be the co-main event on Amanda’s homecoming card, and I could not be more excited to bring this historic event to Puerto Rico as I continue my path to becoming a world champion. Our latest MVP signee, Wanna Walton, is making his global debut on this card, Bomba Gonzalez and Krystal Rosado are continuing their rise to stardom, and the whole island of Puerto Rico will finally get a chance to properly celebrate the greatness of Amanda Serrano. She is going to sell more tickets in one event than Katie Taylor did in two in Dublin. This is going to be the biggest night of boxing the Choliseo has ever seen and the world will be watching.” 

17-year-old Wanna Walton signed with MVP in July 2023, and has since remained an amateur boxer in development. As the youngest-ever athlete to sign with Nike’s Jordan Brand, Walton has continued to excel as a boxer and now will make his global debut in MVP’s first marquee event of 2024. Walton began boxing at the age of four, and at age eight became one of America’s youngest amateur prospects. His skill and hard work earned him the title of 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’ve been training most of my life for this moment, and it is an honor to make my global debut beside my fellow MVP athletes Amanda Serrano and Jake Paul,” said Wanna Walton. “Nakisa and the whole MVP team have become like a second family to me, and they are incredible mentors who truly believe in my talent. I’m ready to prove them right in the ring on Saturday, March 2 and start my path to greatness and I couldn’t be more excited to do it in Puerto Rico.”

Also starring on the Saturday, March 2 Serrano vs. Meinke card will be two other local Puerto Rican athletes. Amanda Serrano’s first signed fighters, WBO junior flyweight champion Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez and young sensation Krystal Rosado, will each feature on the main card of Serrano vs. Meinke. The 32-year-old Gonzalez made his professional debut in 2011 following an impressive amateur career in which he collected gold medals at both the 2008 Youth World Championships and the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games at flyweight. Bomba Gonzalez won his first title in just his ninth fight as a professional, and has gone on to hold the WBO junior flyweight title since 2021. Rosado, the young 21-year-old sensation, made her MVP and professional debut at MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects II show in August 2023, stunning fans with a ferocious second-round KO against Tarrethia Dixon. Rosado went on to compete on MVP’s historic Serrano vs. Ramos card in October 2023, earning her decisive second win over Hungary’s Kata Pap.

“First, I want to thank God for this big opportunity. I want to thank my managers, Amanda Serrano and Jordan Maldonado, MVP, and the WBO for giving me this opportunity to defend my title on my island of Puerto Rico,” said Bomba Gonzalez. “This is big. Fighting on this card with Amanda Serrano is going to be a highlight of my career and hopefully, I can continue fighting at home in Puerto Rico.”

“I’m happy and honored to get this opportunity to fight again on the undercard with my manager and PR boxing queen Amanda Serrano,” said Krystal Rosado. “Also being on a card with Jake Paul is incredible, and if that wasn’t enough, it’s in the Choliseo where even most of the greats from my island haven’t fought in. I’m also proud to be on the same card alongside my managerial teammate Jonathan ‘Bomba’ Gonzalez who will defend his title in a tough fight. This card is one that I wouldn’t have missed if I wasn’t on it. Thank you God, Amanda, and MVP for making this humble up-and-comer’s dream come true. To all my fans, I won’t disappoint!”

“It is an honor for Jake and I to work with Amanda on her historic return to Puerto Rico. While she fought in San Juan during the pandemic, this event on Saturday, March 2nd will be her true homecoming. A massive event for a massive Puerto Rican icon,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions. “The magnitude of this event is such that Jake Paul demanded he be the co-main to Amanda for the first time, which reflects the starpower and legacy of Amanda Serrano in boxing and in Puerto Rico. We are also thrilled to bring Wanna Walton to the stage for his MVP global debut, and are certain he’s going to put on an incredible show and prove that he is one of the most talented future superstars of this sport. With Bomba and Krystal on this card, too, we’ll be featuring some of the most exciting talent from start to finish on this unforgettable night of boxing from San Juan to the world. This will undoubtedly be the most viewed Puerto Rican boxing event in history.”

“We are thrilled to be broadcasting this unmissable double-header on DAZN in March 2024,” said Alfie Sharman, VP DAZN. “Amanda Serrano and Jake Paul are two of the biggest names in boxing, and to have them join our already stacked new year schedule once again highlights DAZN as the global home of boxing. Watch these excellent matchups exclusively live only on DAZN.”

Serrano vs. Meinke marks the latest in MVP’s series of significant women’s championship fights as the company works to establish equity across the sport. The event follows Amanda Serrano’s first-ever 12×3 unified championship fight vs. challenger Danila Ramos in October and the Paul vs. August special championship feature of MVP’s Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green vs. Franchón Crews-Dezurn for the WBC and WBA super middleweight world titles. Spartan Boxing INC. will serve as the official licensed promoter of Serrano vs. Meinke. 

For more information, follow on Twitter via @Serranosisters, @JakePaul, @MostVPromotions, and @DAZNBoxing or on Instagram via @serranosisters, @JakePaul, @MostValuablePromotions, and @DAZNBoxing.

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About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

Most Valuable Promotions was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP have produced Jake Paul’s last five global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Diaz match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, recently earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

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