Alycia Baumgardner Headlines MVPW-02 in New York, Cementing Her Place as the Face of Women's Boxing

The undisputed champion is rewriting the rules of the 'sweet science' and bringing more eyes to women's sports.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:06pm

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A vibrant, expressionist painting depicting the powerful movements and intense focus of a female boxer, with her face dissolved into unrecognizable splatters of neon colors.Alycia Baumgardner's electrifying style and unwavering determination have made her a rising star in the world of women's boxing.Fremont Today

Alycia Baumgardner, the WBA, IBF, and WBO champion known as 'The Bomb,' is set to headline the MVPW-02 card at Madison Square Garden against Bo Mi Re Shin. Baumgardner, who hails from Fremont, Ohio, has become a trailblazer in women's boxing, known for her viral knockout of Terri Harper in 2021 and her recent stance on three-minute rounds. As she prepares for her bout against Shin, Baumgardner is not just fighting for another win, but to cement her place as the face of a global movement in the sport.

Why it matters

Baumgardner's rise to the top of women's boxing comes at a crucial time for the sport, as the demand for greater representation and recognition of female athletes continues to grow. Her partnership with Jake Paul's MVPW promotion and her willingness to be a vocal advocate for women's boxing have the potential to significantly raise the profile of the sport and inspire a new generation of young female fighters.

The details

Baumgardner, who started boxing at the age of 8 with her father, has faced a lack of diversity in the sport, being the only Black girl fighting alongside boys in her small town. However, she has used her platform to push for greater inclusivity and to showcase the talent and determination of women in boxing. Her recent history-making stance on three-minute rounds and her viral knockout of Terri Harper in 2021 have cemented her status as a trailblazer in the sport.

  • Baumgardner will headline the MVPW-02 card at Madison Square Garden on April 16, 2026.
  • She won the WBA, IBF, and WBO titles in 2021 with her knockout victory over Terri Harper.

The players

Alycia Baumgardner

The WBA, IBF, and WBO champion, known as 'The Bomb,' who is rewriting the rules of women's boxing and cementing her place as the face of the sport.

Bo Mi Re Shin

Baumgardner's opponent in the MVPW-02 main event, a hungry and exciting fighter who will challenge the undisputed champion.

Jake Paul

The founder of the MVPW promotion, which has signed Baumgardner and is helping to raise the profile of women's boxing.

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What they’re saying

“When we talk about women's sports, we talk about recognition and bringing more eyes to women's sports, including boxing. To do that, you need game changers, personalities, and entertainers who are going to move the needle. Jake Paul and MVP knew exactly what they were doing by signing me. I'm treated as an equal, and not just a fighter on a roster. I'm someone who was very vocal about how I want to do things and how we promote women's sports and women in general.”

— Alycia Baumgardner, Undisputed Champion

“It's going to be just like fishing, and by the time 17 comes, we're gonna put the hook in her, and we're gonna pull her out. So that's what we're doing. Bo is an exciting fighter. She is hungry, and I'm hungry. This is specifically for my Korean fans, because I'm Korean. So for my Blasians and my Asians. This is to cross over to international people to know that boxing is worldwide.”

— Alycia Baumgardner, Undisputed Champion

What’s next

Baumgardner's fight against Bo Mi Re Shin at MVPW-02 on April 16, 2026 at Madison Square Garden will be a highly anticipated event, as the undisputed champion looks to cement her status as the face of women's boxing.

The takeaway

Alycia Baumgardner's rise to the top of women's boxing represents a pivotal moment for the sport, as she uses her platform to advocate for greater representation, recognition, and opportunity for female athletes. Her partnership with Jake Paul's MVPW promotion and her willingness to be a vocal leader in the sport have the potential to inspire a new generation of young women to pursue their dreams in the ring.