Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) is expanding into Canada for the 11th installment of its Most Valuable Prospects series. The event will take place in Toronto at the Great Canadian Casino Resort on Friday, March 7, and will be available globally for free on DAZN.com and the DAZN app, with no subscription required. United Boxing Promotions will serve as the official licensed promoter. This marks a milestone for MVP’s up-and-coming talent showcase as it makes its Canadian debut, following MVP’s late 2024 signings of two standout Canadian prospects.
Headlining Most Valuable Prospects 11 is undefeated #8-ranked WBA lightweight contender “Prince” Lucas Bahdi (18-0, 15 KOs), who will face fellow undefeated fighter Ryan “The Untouchable” Racaza (15-0, 11 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout. Canada’s own WBA light flyweight world champion, Sara Bailey (5-0), will make a title defense in the co-main event.
This landmark event showcases Canada’s rich boxing talent, opening doors for the next generation of stars. MVP’s two-time Canadian Olympian and #8-ranked WBA middleweight contender, Tamm Thibeault (1-0), will also join the main card, facing American Sonya Dreiling (6-7, 2 KOs) in a six-round, three-minute-per-round middleweight bout. Barrie, Ontario’s “Marvelous” Mark Smither (13-1) will round out the main card in a super lightweight contest. Tickets go on sale Monday, February 3, at 12 p.m. ET.
In the main event, “Prince” Lucas Bahdi makes his highly anticipated homecoming. Hailing from Niagara Falls, Ontario, Bahdi has remained undefeated since his professional debut in 2019, winning his first 11 fights by knockout. His 2023 IBF North American Lightweight title win and recent victories solidified his reputation, including a sensational knockout of H2O Sylve on the Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry undercard in July 2024. Now, he aims to further establish himself as a rising powerhouse in the sport. His opponent, Ryan “The Untouchable” Racaza, originally from Caloocan City, Philippines, and now based in Las Vegas, has finished his last five opponents by knockout.
“Headlining MVP’s first event in Canada, free to watch on DAZN globally, is a huge moment for me and the exceptional boxing talent emerging from my country,” said Bahdi. “I’m excited to add another highlight-reel KO to my collection.”
The co-main event will feature a world title defense from Canada’s WBA light flyweight champion, Sara Bailey. She made history in April 2024 by becoming the fastest Canadian to win a world championship, dethroning Maria Bautista. Bailey, an Etobicoke native, has a strong following, both in the arena and online, and is supported by the Iranian community.
“Bringing this level of boxing to Toronto is huge for the sport,” said Bailey. “I’m grateful to MVP for putting a spotlight on women’s boxing and rising athletes. Canada has a deep pool of talent, and I’m looking forward to representing on March 7.”
MVP’s newest signee, Tamm Thibeault, will take on Sonya Dreiling in a middleweight contest featuring three-minute rounds. Originally from Shawinigan, Quebec, Thibeault has had an illustrious amateur career, including two Olympic appearances, gold medals at the 2022 IBA Amateur World Championship, the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the 2023 Pan Am Games. She made her pro debut at MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 10, defeating Natasha “The Nightmare” Spence under men’s rules.
“It is an honor to make history with MVP as part of the company’s first event in Canada,” said Thibeault. “Jake Paul, Nakisa Bidarian, and MVP have been incredible advocates for me, and I can’t wait to fight in front of our home fans.”
Also on the main card, super lightweight contender Mark Smither will compete following his recent Canadian Super Lightweight title victory.
The preliminary card will feature MVP’s three-time US national boxing champion and high-fashion model, Alexis “Chop Chop” Chaparro (3-0, 3 KOs), who has delivered highlight-reel knockouts since turning pro. Also competing will be 29-year-old Doni Foreman (1-0, 1 KO) from Brampton, Ontario, in a 4-round heavyweight bout, alongside twin brothers Angel Barrientes (12-1, 7 KOs) and Chavez Barrientes (10-0, 6 KOs), both in 8-round super bantamweight bouts.
“MVP’s expansion into Canada marks a new chapter for our company and underscores our commitment to discovering and promoting boxing talent worldwide,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, MVP co-founders. “Lucas Bahdi had an outstanding 2024, and he’s earned the opportunity to headline his first event. Given Nakisa’s Toronto roots, this event is particularly meaningful, demonstrating our commitment to elevating world-class Canadian talent.”
The Most Valuable Prospects series, produced and marketed by MVP, continues its commitment to highlighting the world’s best up-and-coming boxing talent. The series will take place on Friday nights in 2025, with CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy serving as the exclusive energy drink sponsor and Event Ticket Center as a supporting partner.
