Boxing fans have a reason to celebrate as April 2026 unfolds with a series of high-stakes matchups broadcast on ESPN. The network is set to feature several championship bouts, with a significant focus on women’s boxing, signaling a new era of coverage on the platform.
Baumgardner vs. Shin Headlines April 17th EvenEvent spotlight shines brightly on April 17th as Alycia Baumgardner, the unified 130-pound champion, defends her titles against Bo Mi Re Shin. This highly anticipated bout is set to take place at Madison Square Garden’s Infosys Theater and will feature three-minute rounds, aligning with the standard for men’s boxing.
In the co-main event, middleweight champion Shadasia Green will put her belts on the line against Lani Daniels. Green, who recently became unified champion, is looking to make a statement in this defense.
A Robust Schedule Across April and May
The action on ESPN doesn’t stop with the April 17th card. Earlier in the month, on April 5th, the MVPW series kicked off in London with a lineup featuring Caroline Dubois against Terri Harper and Ellie Scotney facing Mayelli Flores.
Looking ahead to May 30th, ESPN will broadcast another significant event featuring Stephanie Han in a rematch for the WBA lightweight title against Holly Holm. This event also includes matchups such as Lourdes Juarez vs. Yokasta Valle and Desley Robinson vs. Mary Spencer.
Broader Deal with MVP and Continued Women’s Boxing Focus
These upcoming fights are part of a multi-year deal between ESPN and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), which will see MVPW events broadcast through 2028. This partnership underscores a commitment to showcasing women’s boxing, with many of the fights airing on ESPN’s linear channels.
MVP, co-founded by Jake Paul, has been a driving force in elevating women’s boxing, notably after signing seven-division champion Amanda Serrano and staging the first all-women’s boxing card at Madison Square Garden in July 2025.
Other Notable Upcoming Bouts
Beyond the MVPW events, other notable fights are slated for ESPN in the coming months. Liam Talivaa and Faiga ‘Django’ Opelu are set to headline a stacked card on April 8th, featuring four championship fights, including the IBO Oceania-Orient Heavyweight Title bout between them. Mounir Fathi and Sergei Vorobev will also compete for the IBO Oceania-Orient Super Welterweight Championship on the same card.
The boxing world continues to buzz with activity, and ESPN’s expanded schedule promises compelling matchups for fight fans. For those interested in other combat sports, the table tennis scene has also been heating up as March 2026 drew to a close. [cite:link1]
