Most Valuable Promotions Announces Undercard for Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua
Most Valuable Promotions has announced the lineup for the undercard of the anticipated boxing match between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua, set to unfold on December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, streaming live on Netflix. The supporting bouts retain much of the structure from Paul’s earlier planned showdown against Gervonta Davis, maintaining Alycia Baumgardner’s defense of her unified super featherweight title against Leila Beaudoin as the co-main attraction.
Main Card Changes
In a significant alteration to the main card, Anderson Silva will no longer compete against former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman due to an injury. Instead, Tyron Woodley, another former UFC titleholder, will step in to challenge Silva in a six-round cruiserweight contest. Both fighters have previously encountered setbacks against Jake Paul—Silva fell to Paul in a closely contested decision last year, while Woodley faced defeat twice, suffering a split decision loss and a knockout in their rematch.
Silva commented on the shift, stating, “I believe that change always happens for a reason. I am determined to perform well, always respecting my opponent and the boxing community.”
This matchup highlights Woodley’s goal of securing his inaugural victory in boxing after a successful tenure as the welterweight champion in the UFC from 2016 to 2019. He expressed excitement for the event, saying, “Rising to occasions like this are the moments where legends are born.”
Preliminary Card Highlights
The preliminary card will retain several key fights, including Cherneka Johnson’s undisputed bantamweight title defense against Amanda Galle, Yokasta Valle’s WBC strawweight title showdown with Yadira Bustillos, and Avious Griffin’s welterweight clash with Justin Cardona. Additionally, two-time Brazilian Olympic athlete Keno Marley will debut as a professional in a four-round cruiserweight match against Diarra Davis.
However, the undercard will now exclude the WBA super lightweight title bout featuring champion Gary Antuanne Russell against Andy Hiraoka. Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, emphasized the significance of the newly formed matchup between Silva and Woodley, calling it an iconic encounter that contributes to the extravagant event of Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua. He added, “This is the gladiatorial spectacle of the 21st century, bringing two MMA greats into the limelight on a global platform.”
Impact on Boxing History
Alycia Baumgardner’s unified title defense is expected to shape history, aligning her with Amanda Serrano in the ongoing pursuit of equality in boxing. With a richly packed card slated for December 19, fans are poised for what could be an unforgettable evening in the sport’s legacy.
