Keno Marley has withdrawn from his pro debut against Sean Sparks, scheduled for Saturday in Orlando, Florida, because of an unspecified injury, Most Valuable Promotions announced on Friday.
Marley, a 24-year-old two-time Olympian for Brazil, had been set to face Sean Sparks in a four-round cruiserweight bout in the co-main event of Most Valuable Prospects 13 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando.
“While it’s disappointing to have to postpone my professional debut, I know this is just a brief pause in a long and meaningful journey ahead,” Marley said. “My focus now is on recovery, and I’ll be back sharper, hungrier, and more prepared than ever.”
Marley thanked the MVP team and Sparks, 2-0 (2 KOs), for their understanding.
“Best of luck to all the fighters participating, especially my fellow Brazilians Beatriz Ferreira and Luan Almeida,” Marley said. “I’ll be watching and supporting every step on Saturday, June 7.”
Ferreira, 6-0 (2 KOs), will make the second defense of her women’s lightweight title against Argentina’s Maria Ines Ferreyra, 11-0-1 (6 KOs), in a scheduled 10-rounder. Brazilian national champion Almeida, 5-0 (4 KOs), and veteran Tony Aguilar, 13-1-1 (4 KOs), will step into the co-main event for an eight-round lightweight battle.
“Keno Marley is a phenomenal talent, and we have no doubt that he’ll be back soon to show the world why he’s a superstar in the making,” said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “We wish him a full and speedy recovery, and the entire MVP team is standing behind him as he focuses on healing up.”
