Jake Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxing sensation, has once again sent ripples through the boxing world with his latest move, signing former IBF bantamweight world champion Ebanie Bridges to his Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). This announcement, made on July 8, 2025, marks a significant step in Paul’s growing influence in the sport, particularly in elevating women’s boxing. Bridges, known as the “Blonde Bomber,” brings not only her championship pedigree but also a compelling personal story, having recently given birth to her son, Ezerra Ray Brook, with former welterweight champion Kell Brook in February 2025. The signing underscores Paul’s ambition to build a formidable empire in the boxing world, with a particular focus on empowering female fighters and reshaping the sport’s landscape.

Ebanie Bridges, a 38-year-old Australian boxer, has captured the attention of fans worldwide with her skill, charisma, and distinctive presence both in and out of the ring. Born in Sydney and now based in Sheffield, United Kingdom, Bridges boasts a professional record of 9-2 with 4 knockouts. She claimed the IBF bantamweight title in 2022 by defeating Maria Cecilia Roman and successfully defended it once before losing to Miyo Yoshida in December 2023. Her journey to the top was not without challenges. A former high school math teacher with a master’s degree in mathematics and education, Bridges transitioned from a ring card girl to a two-time national Golden Gloves champion before turning professional in 2019. Her signing with MVP comes as she prepares for a comeback, aiming to reclaim her title by the end of 2025.

Paul’s MVP, co-founded with Nakisa Bidarian in 2021, has quickly established itself as a powerhouse in women’s boxing. The promotion company has already signed an impressive roster of female talent, including unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano, undisputed super featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner, and former UFC and boxing champion Holly Holm. Bridges joins other notable fighters like Ellie Scotney, Chantelle Cameron, and Savannah Marshall, further bolstering MVP’s reputation for championing women’s boxing. “Ebanie Bridges is a star in every sense of the word,” Paul and Bidarian stated. “She’s a world champion, a proven ticket seller, and a force of personality who brings new audiences into boxing. Now a devoted mother on a mission to reclaim her title, she continues to break boundaries both in and out of the ring.”

Bridges’ decision to join MVP reflects her confidence in the promotion’s vision. “I’m very excited about signing with MVP; they’ve done amazing things for women’s boxing in such a short time,” she said. “I believe with MVP’s backing, promotion, and clever marketing, myself and women’s boxing will truly skyrocket.” Her addition to the roster aligns with MVP’s mission to provide fighters with creative control and significant exposure. The company has already made history with events like the 2022 Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano fight, the first women’s bout to headline Madison Square Garden, and continues to secure high-profile platforms, including streaming deals with Netflix.

Beyond her in-ring accomplishments, Bridges is a multifaceted individual with a black belt in karate, fluency in three languages—English, Portuguese, and Spanish—and a significant social media following, with over 800,000 Instagram followers and 250,000 on OnlyFans. Her ability to connect with audiences has made her a marketable figure, often dubbed the “world’s sexiest boxer” due to her bold weigh-in outfits and engaging online presence. However, Bridges is far more than a media personality. Her resilience is evident in her determination to return to the ring just months after childbirth, a feat she aims to achieve while inspiring other women in sports to pursue their goals post-motherhood.

The partnership between Bridges and MVP is poised to elevate her career to new heights. After giving birth, Bridges has been back in training, recently sparring with former Commonwealth flyweight champion Nicola Hopewell. Her goal is clear: to reclaim the IBF bantamweight title and solidify her legacy. Paul’s promotion has a track record of turning fighters into global stars, as seen with Amanda Serrano, who has benefited from main-event opportunities and substantial paydays. Bridges, with her unique blend of skill, personality, and ambition, is a natural fit for MVP’s vision of transforming women’s boxing into a mainstream spectacle.

This signing also highlights Paul’s broader impact on the sport. Critics may question his boxing credentials, but his promotional efforts have undeniably brought attention to women’s boxing, which has historically struggled for visibility. By signing fighters like Bridges, who combine talent with marketability, Paul is challenging traditional promoters and proving that women’s boxing can draw massive audiences when marketed effectively. As Bridges prepares for her 2025 return, the boxing world watches closely, anticipating the next chapter in her journey and Paul’s growing empire. With MVP’s backing, Bridges is not just fighting for a title but for a lasting legacy in a sport that is finally getting the spotlight it deserves.