Kevin Brown, John Bauza set competitive standard for ‘Most Valuable Prospects’

Most Valuable Promotions, co-founded by Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, is expanding its reach into traditional boxing with its “Most Valuable Prospects” series.

The next installment, Most Valuable Prospects 8, will feature a main event between Kevin Brown and John Bauza on Friday at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Florida, streaming live on DAZN.

When MVP was created, Bidarian and Paul emphasized spotlighting women boxers and young, diverse talent, and the prospects series is designed to give those young, lesser-known fighters a platform to showcase their skills. Mike Leanardi, an executive at Most Valuable Promotions and a seasoned boxing veteran, is spearheading the series.

“We’re giving athletes the platform to show their talents, let people get to know them a little bit and help them progress in their careers,” Leanardi said.

Leanardi emphasized that the series is about more than just padding records. These are tough, 50-50 fights. “Nineteen fighters have lost their undefeated record on this series,” he said. “If you bet on yourself, if you truly believe in your own ability, this is the platform for you.”

The series serves as a feeder system for fighters seeking big opportunities. The cards serve as a way for young fighters to stay active, while also making interesting bouts.

“When the only events you’re doing are arena events, it makes it hard to break in,” Leanardi said. “This series gives us more dates, more fighters and more opportunities.”

Leanardi cited Julian Smith as a prime example of the series’ impact. Smith, a legally deaf boxer, turned his series win into two consecutive upset victories, including a major win over Orestes Velasquez.

“Julian Smith pulled off one of the biggest upsets of this year when he beat Shojahan Ergashev,” Leanardi said.

Other examples include Corey Marksman and Tony Aguilar, who fought to a draw in February at Most Valuable Prospects 5, and later appeared on July’s Jake Paul-Mike Perry pay-per-view card in acknowledgment of their highly competitive fight.

“The guys willing to take chances and bet on themselves create opportunities,” Leanardi said. “It’s giving fighters a chance to make more money and build a name for themselves. Without a doubt, you’ll see fighters continue to ascend through this system.”

MVP has built its reputation on groundbreaking achievements. That hasn’t changed through the Prospects series. In October 2023, Amanda Serrano, who is signed with the company, broke barriers in the first-ever women’s unified title bout contested over 12 three-minute rounds, breaking the previous norm of 10 rounds with two-minute intervals for female fighters. Additionally, company co-founder Jake Paul set a new record for the highest gate revenue in Orlando boxing history with his fight against Andre August in December 2023, surpassing the previous record set by Miguel Cotto vs. Delvin Rodriguez. Paul’s bout also achieved the highest average ticket price recorded in the city’s boxing history.

The “Most Valuable Prospects” series is yet another venture that helps the company distinguish itself.

Leanardi recognizes the stakes for Friday’s bout. Brown (5-0, 3 KOs), 30, hit the canvas in his last fight but secured a split decision victory against Idalberto Umara in May. Brown, a fast-tracked Cuban amateur, will be fighting in his fifth 10-round fight. His opponent, the 26-year-old Bauza (18-1, 8 KOs), from New Jersey by way of Puerto Rico, is coming off a first-round stoppage win in March, following his lone career defeat, against Richardson Hitchins in February 2023, in which he lost a 10-round unanimous decision.

“Kevin Brown is an extremely talented guy, but this won’t be an easy fight for him,” Leanardi said. “John Bauza has a lot more pro experience and crowd support. He’s fought on bigger cards and at the top level of the sport.”

Leanardi assures that Bauza is not a gatekeeper, and he believes the winner of the bout will be knocking on the door of contender status.

“They’re both close to being contenders,” Leonardi said, “and a win in a fight like this could be the push they need.”

Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.