Alycia Baumgardner demonstrated her prowess in women’s boxing by retaining her WBO, IBF, and WBA junior lightweight championships. She achieved this through a decisive 10-round unanimous decision against Bo Mi Re Shin from South Korea. The event occurred early Saturday at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, marking the debut U.S. card for Most Valuable Promotions Women, initiated by Jake Paul.
The 31-year-old from Ohio, now based in Dallas and trained by Derrick James, controlled the fight from the start. She dominated the initial five rounds before countering a strong comeback from Shin, securing scores of 98-92, 98-92, and 99-91.
This was Baumgardner’s sixth defense in the 130-pound category, where she has held titles since 2021. However, the preceding bout nearly overshadowed her performance. New Zealand’s Lani Daniels, an underdog, achieved a surprising ninth-round technical knockout over unified super-middleweight champion Shadasia Green.
Following the stoppage, Green was removed from the ring on a stretcher and transported to a hospital, appearing unresponsive. Daniels expressed concern in her post-fight comments, saying she was pleased with the win but worried about her opponent’s condition. She hoped Green would recover soon.
Most Valuable Promotions’ boxing head, Mike Leanardi, later confirmed during a press conference that Green was alert and communicative at the hospital, following an earlier update that she was conscious and mobile.
Daniels, 37, from Whangārei in northern New Zealand, known as the Smiling Assassin, had previously won IBF titles in light-heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. She entered this match after consecutive defeats to Claressa Shields and Sarah Scheurich but now holds a world title in a third weight class.
Baumgardner entered the ring shortly after midnight, accompanied by New York rapper Lil’ Kim, drawing enthusiastic applause from the thousands in attendance. The fight followed men’s championship format with 10 three-minute rounds.
From the outset, Baumgardner took command, using precise punches to breach Shin’s defenses. A strong right-left combo in the first round highlighted her timing and precision. Shin remained mobile but struggled to land effective strikes as Baumgardner consistently outpaced her.
This dynamic continued into the second and third rounds, with Baumgardner employing a steady jab and powerful hits while evading threats. Shin tried to alter the flow, including a takedown in the third, but failed to gain ground.
In the fourth, Baumgardner excited the audience with a powerful right uppercut that staggered Shin, though the challenger recovered. The first five rounds displayed Baumgardner’s strategic dominance.
Shin shifted to a more aggressive style in the sixth, closing the distance and winning exchanges, claiming that round. The seventh intensified as Shin pressed forward, challenging Baumgardner and making the fight competitive for the first time.
Baumgardner regained composure, using agile movement and a strong jab to dictate the pace again. By the ninth, she had reestablished control, landing accurate counters against Shin’s advances.
The final round featured intense trading in the center, with both competitors engaging fully as the crowd cheered. They hugged at the end, acknowledging the effort.
Baumgardner commented that maintaining her jab and setting up shots was key against Shin’s persistent approach.
