Alycia Baumgardner: A Rising Star in Women’s Boxing
Alycia Baumgardner is set to feature prominently in a historic boxing event that could break streaming records, as she takes on Leila Beaudoin in the co-main event of the highly anticipated bout between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua this Friday on Netflix. This event represents a significant opportunity for Baumgardner, with over 300 million subscribers expected to tune in, many eager to see whether Joshua can neutralize the controversial Paul in their heavyweight clash. However, viewers will also get a glimpse of Baumgardner, who Paul has dubbed “the face of women’s boxing,” ahead of what promises to be a transformative year for her in 2026.
Confidence and Ambition
During a press conference earlier this week, Paul expressed his confidence in Baumgardner’s potential to headline major fights, stating,
“The new face of women’s boxing right here, next year’s going to be big.”
Baumgardner, unafraid to seize the moment, responded positively to the compliment, hinting at exciting prospects ahead:
“I came to this game as a competitor, as a challenger, as a champion. I don’t duck no smoke from nobody. You’re just going to see what’s coming.”
Respect for Peers
At one point, Baumgardner paused to acknowledge her respect for notable figures in women’s boxing, such as Amanda Serrano, who is already scheduled for a significant match in early 2026, and Katie Taylor, who remains a formidable force in the sport. Additionally, Claressa Shields, a trailblazer with multiple championships and Olympic accolades, continues to be one of the sport’s most recognized competitors. Despite this competitive landscape, Baumgardner’s rising star power is hard to ignore; her signing with Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) suggests that her popularity may soon rival that of her peers.
Most Valuable Promotions
Founded by Paul alongside Nakisa Bidarian, MVP has a track record of elevating fighters like Serrano from relative obscurity to stardom in the world of women’s boxing, having supported her in landmark events like her sold-out fight at Madison Square Garden against Taylor in 2022.
Media Ready and Formidable
Baumgardner joins MVP with abundant appeal that’s ripe for mainstream crossover. Her striking fashion sense, charisma, and ability to engage audiences place her alongside high-profile entertainers, making her as media-ready as she is formidable in the ring. Her victories over Terri Harper and Mikaela Mayer have entrenched her as one of boxing’s most electrifying athletes, though her momentum was momentarily impacted by a positive test for banned substances in 2023. Baumgardner defended her integrity, and after being cleared in January 2024, she swiftly returned to dominance by defending her titles against Delfine Persoon in September of the same year. Following her signing with MVP in March 2025, Baumgardner put on an impressive performance in a co-main event against Jennifer Miranda at Madison Square Garden, showcasing her ability to shine on the big stage.
Looking Ahead
With the Joshua-Paul match on the horizon, Baumgardner finds herself with a golden chance to attract new fans, potentially propelling her into mainstream recognition. Reflecting on her journey, she noted,
“Everything is a transition. I’ve been in a transition period. I’m happy to take my time… 2026 is the beginning of Alycia Baumgardner.”
As she gears up for her fight on Friday, a standout performance could be the catalyst for her ascent to superstardom in 2026, setting the stage for her to become a defining figure in the world of boxing.
