Baumgardner Dominates While Daniels Upsets Champion in Thrilling Boxing Showdown
On a night of high stakes at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, Alycia Baumgardner showcased her boxing prowess, defending her WBO, IBF, and WBA junior lightweight titles with a commanding 10-round unanimous decision over Bo Mi Re Shin. The fight, held early Saturday morning, marked the first US card staged by Most Valuable Promotions Women, a new venture by boxer-influencer Jake Paul. Baumgardner, 31, from Ohio, delivered a masterclass performance, dominating the action for the majority of the bout. After leading by scores of 98-92, 98-92, and 99-91, she solidified her status in the 130lb division, where she has held at least one title since 2021. However, the spotlight nearly shifted to the co-main event, where Lani Daniels achieved a stunning victory by scoring a ninth-round technical knockout against Shadasia Green, the unified super-middleweight champion. This shocking upset saw Green taken from the ring on a stretcher and transported to the hospital, although she was reported to be conscious and talking shortly after. In her post-fight remarks, Daniels expressed concern for Green while celebrating her own triumph, stating, "I hope she’s alright. I’m happy but also concerned for her." Baumgardner entered her fight with a flashy entrance, accompanied by rapper Lil’ Kim, and immediately took control, utilizing her jab and power shots to keep Shin at bay. Despite a brief resurgence from Shin in the later rounds, Baumgardner's experience and skill shone through, allowing her to finish strong. After the match, Baumgardner expressed her desire for future bouts against Katie Taylor or Amanda Serrano, emphasizing her readiness to continue competing at the highest level. "I’m ready to step up again. If fighters aren’t willing to go three minutes, we can’t even have a conversation." The event highlighted the growing interest and competitive spirit in women's boxing, with Baumgardner leading the charge for longer rounds and greater recognition for female athletes.
Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-04-18