In January 2023, former UFC women's bantamweight champion Holly Holm officially requested her release from the UFC, which was granted. Now, Holm embarks on an exciting new chapter in her career after signing with Most Valuable Promotions. Holm will make her boxing return on June 28, 2023, as part of the Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. fight card.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Holly Holm stated, “I'm excited to partner with Most Valuable Promotions and return to the boxing ring. This new chapter is going to be an exciting journey, and I'm looking forward to the challenge. Coming full circle back to boxing- I've spent most of my MMA career at 135 pounds, and now I have the opportunity to make my boxing debut at that weight. With boxing titles in three higher weight classes under my belt, I'm eager to pursue a fourth title in a new division.”
Holm is not just an accomplished MMA fighter; she has left an indelible mark in the boxing world as well. Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, praised Holm’s status as “the most dominant two-sport athlete in history—period.” He expressed confidence in her ability to make a significant impact as she aims to reclaim her boxing championship status: “I remember when Holly shocked the world by knocking out Ronda Rousey, and I have no doubt she has the ability to shock the world again in her quest to become a boxing world champion once more.”
On the same evening that Holm returns to the ring, she will face Yolanda “Pitayita” Vega, a proud Mexican fighter who has signed a multi-fight contract with Most Valuable Promotions. Bidarian highlighted this matchup as part of their commitment to elevating women’s boxing. “Signing both Holly Holm and Yolanda Vega reflects our commitment to building the biggest platform in the world for women’s boxing,” he said. “With Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr. headlining and Holm vs. Vega on the card, Saturday, June 28, is going to be one of the most entertaining events of the year.”
Yolanda Vega expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to fight on such a significant platform. “I feel very happy and grateful to God that a company of this magnitude has taken me into account to join their roster. I am very committed because I know what it means to fight among the highest elite ranks, and I trust a lot in my work reflecting at MVP,” said Vega. “Fighting against a champion of this stature on Saturday, June 28, brings me closer to my aim of becoming a world champion. I respect and admire her work a lot, but today she has become my next goal, and goals are meant to be achieved.”
The June 28 event, featuring both Holm's comeback and the headline fight between Jake Paul and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., promises to be a memorable night for combat sports fans. With significant implications for both women's boxing and the careers of these athletes, all eyes will be on the ring as they strive to achieve their respective goals. Their match, along with the high-profile main event, reinforces the rising prominence of women in boxing and the exciting developments within the sport.
