Kody ‘Big Mo’ Mommaerts

Dear Katie, No matter what happens tonight at Croke Park, your résumé is already closed and untouchable. From a 15-year-old in Ireland’s first sanctioned women’s bout to Olympic gold, five world amateur titles, and undisputed in two divisions, you didn’t just win, you were instrumental in building the sport. What I’ll always be proudest of is what we did together. When you and Amanda sold out Madison Square Garden, you permanently changed what a women’s fight is worth. Everything since exists because you and others carried the risk before anyone could promise you the reward. 80,000 in Dublin is the least this sport owes you. Congratulations on all of it — go enjoy tonight. 3x Undisputed. Much love and respect

Women’s professional boxing is in its infancy as a mass sport. Greatness started many years ago with the pioneer Regina Halmich. Then came the era of Christy Martin, who attracted a real audience for the first time for women’s boxing. Laila Ali set a new bar and Ann Wolfe made her mark as well. Cecilia Braehus become the first undisputed champion. Amanda Serrano has achieved the same and also won world titles in 7 divisions. Katie Taylor and Claressa Shields have both achieved Olympic Golds and undisputed status. Holly Holm achieved elite world titles in boxing and MMA. All of them and many more (like Jackie Nava) should be celebrated and all have contributed to where the sport is today with better distribution and investment to allow women’s boxing to continue to grow. Greatness is not self anointed. It is earned. And all of these athletes have earned it and paved the way for the future. The future is bright and MVP is proud to be a part of it.