Gary Antuanne Russell defends his WBA junior-welterweight title against Japan’s Andy “Da Blade” Hiraoka on the undercard of Jake Paul-Gervonta Davis at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida on November 14.
The 29 year old’s title defence represents perhaps the most appealing fight on the undercard of the high-profile, cynical exhibition between “Tank” Davis and Paul. Alycia Baumgardner defends her IBF, WBA and WBO junior-lightweight titles against Leila Beaudoin; Ellie Scotney and Mayelli Flores contest the undisputed junior-featherweight title, Yokasta Valle defends her WBC minimumweight title against Yadira Bustillos, and Avious Griffin fights Cesar Francis at welterweight.
“I’m excited to be on an event of this magnitude and put the Russell family legacy on display live on Netflix,” Russell said. “Hiraoka is my mandatory challenger and a strong fighter. We will prepare as we always do and handle business. I will be king of division for a long time and defending my title will be the first step towards it.”
Hiraoko, 29, is undefeated. He last fought when stopping Ismael Barroso in September 2024.
“Becoming world champion has been my mission since day one, and on Friday, November 14, live on Netflix, I will make that dream a reality,” he said. “Gary Russell is a great champion, but I am coming to Miami to win his belt and become Japan’s next world champion.”
The fight between England’s Scotney and Flores, of Mexico, is perhaps even more appealing than Baumgardner-Beaudoin – the chief-support contest – but it is lower in profile on account of it being scheduled for 10 two-minute rounds.
“Belt by belt, I’ve earned this the hard way,” said the IBF, WBO and WBC champion, 27. “Undisputed has always been the goal, and now thanks to MVP we’re on the final and most important step. On Friday November 14th I’ll make history as Britain’s next undisputed world champion.”
“I would like to thank God, MVP and my team for this incredible opportunity – when I was offered the fight against Ellie Scotney, without hesitation I said ‘Yes’,” Flores, 33 years old and the WBA champion, said.
“I will be ready for a war. Ellie Scotney is a great and tough fighter, but I am up for the challenge. I know the importance of this fight – a win over Scotney will put me in the history books as Mexico’s first undisputed female fighter, and I am ready to make history. I dedicate this fight to my family and all the boxing fans that will be watching on Netflix.”
The 33-year-old Valle won her then-vacant title against Elizabeth Lopez Corzo in November 2024. She has fought once since, when defeating Marlen Esparza in March, but on an evening when she didn’t defend her title.
“This will be my first WBC world title defense, and doing it on MVP’s debut card with Jake Paul makes it even more special,” said the Nicaragua-born Costa Rican. “I’ve worked my whole life for these moments, and I know what it takes to stay at the top. My opponent Yadira Bustillos is tough and hungry, but I’ve never backed down from a challenge. I fight with discipline, with heart, and with the pride of Costa Rica on my shoulders. The landscape of women’s boxing is opening up, and there are many great possible opponents ahead, but before any of that, I need to win this fight convincingly. On fight night, the world will see why I’m not just a champion – I’m here to inspire and to keep breaking barriers for women in boxing.”
“It’s an honour and a dream come true to fight for this title,” said Bustillos, 25. “The WBC belt represents the peak of the sport, and I respect my opponent, but I’m ready for this. I’m not here to compete. I’m here to conquer.”
