Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) continues to solidify its status as a powerhouse in global combat sports, announcing today the signing of two-time Brazilian Olympian and amateur boxing phenom Keno Marley. At just 24 years old, Marley becomes the first Brazilian athlete to join MVP’s elite roster and is set to make his highly anticipated professional debut in 2025 in the cruiserweight division (200lbs).
This milestone marks another bold move by MVP, the promotional juggernaut co-founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, who are focused on identifying and developing world-class boxing talent. Marley now stands as MVP’s second Olympian signee, following the December 2024 acquisition of Canada’s two-time Olympian Tamm Thibeault.
🇧🇷 From Bahia to the World
Born in Sapeaçu, Bahia, Marley’s journey to this moment has been marked by discipline, heartbreak, and undeniable talent. After picking up boxing at age 11, Marley moved alone to São Paulo at 13 to train full-time with Brazil’s national boxing team. His career highlights include:
- 🥇 Gold Medalist – 2018 Summer Youth Olympics
- 🥈 Silver Medalist – 2019 Pan American Championships
- 🇧🇷 Quarterfinalist – 2020 Tokyo Olympics & 2024 Paris Olympics
- 🥈 Silver Medalist – 2021 IBA World Championships (Cruiserweight)
- 🥇 Winner – 2023 Strandja Tournament (First Brazilian man to do so)
- 🥈 Silver Medalist – 2023 Pan American Games
Through triumph and tragedy—including the loss of his older brother to violence and his cousin to suicide—Marley’s resilience has shined through. He now serves as a third sergeant in the Brazilian Army, holds a degree in physical education, and is pursuing a law degree, all while competing at the sport’s highest levels.
🔥 A New Era Begins
“Signing with MVP is an important step in making a dream come true,” said Keno Marley. “Now my focus is fully on making history and proving that Brazil has another boxing champion ready to take over the world.”
Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian share Marley’s vision:
“Keno Marley is a world class talent that has the potential to be a global star in boxing, like Anderson Silva was in MMA. He’s already made history for Brazil, and now he’s ready to take over the pro ranks.”
MVP also teased plans to bring a live event to Brazil in 2026, potentially featuring Marley and teen boxing sensation Javon “Wanna” Walton.
🥊 MVP’s Growing Global Roster
Marley now stands among a dynamic, international cast of champions and rising stars in the MVP family, including:
- Jake “El Gallo” Paul
- Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano
- Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner
- Dina Thorslund
- Ellie Scotney
- Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green
- H2O Sylve
- Tamm Thibeault
- Alexander “The Alley Cat” Gueche
- Ramla Ali
- Elizabeth Oshoba
- Jennifer Miranda
- Nat “No Love” Dove
- Naomy Valle
- Neeraj Goyat
- Javon “Wanna” Walton
…and many more.
📱 Stay Connected
Follow the latest updates on social media:
X/Twitter: @MostVPromotions, @JakePaul, @keno_marley1
Instagram: @MostValuablePromotions, @JakePaul, @keno_marley1
Keep it locked on MMA Fight Coverage as we track Keno Marley’s professional journey from Olympic greatness to cruiserweight contender on the world stage.
