Yokasta Valle made the only move that made sense at this point in her already stellar career.
The three-division and reigning WBC 105lbs titlist has become the latest highly touted boxer to join the growing Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) roster. The move was confirmed by both parties and formally announced during a press conference alongside MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in Valle’s hometown of San Jose, Costa Rica.
“Today marks a new chapter in my career, and I couldn’t be more excited to announce that I’m joining Most Valuable Promotions,” Valle told BoxingScene in a provided quote. “This signing is not just a step for me—it’s a step forward for all of Latin American women’s boxing, proving that our stories, our talent, and our passion deserve to be on the biggest stages.
“I’ve walked a path full of sacrifices, tough training, and battles inside and outside the ring. Every punch, every victory, and every setback has prepared me for this moment.”
Valle, 33-3 (10 KOs) joins younger sister, Naomy Valle, 14-0 (9 KOs), a rising junior flyweight and also an aspiring pilot who signed with MVP earlier this spring. She was previously with Golden Boy Promotions and enjoyed two title reigns under their banner. All involved parties agreed, however, that a move to MVP was in her best interest.
Her new promotional team could not be more thrilled with that decision.
“Yokasta Valle is a trailblazer and one of the most accomplished and respected champions in boxing, and she’s just getting started,” Bidarian and Paul said in a joint statement. “As a three-division champion and one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, she has created generational impact and inspired young girls across Central America.
“Now at MVP, her story will continue to transcend geographical barriers and resonate with fans around the world. It is an honor to welcome Yokasta to MVP and to now represent both her and her sister Naomy as we continue our shared mission to elevate women’s boxing globally. The Serrano sisters set a high bar and now the Valle sisters are going to continue the legacy of sisters that reign supreme in boxing.”
With the addition of Valle, MVP now claims direct ties to eight of the top 15 pound-for-pound talents – including five on the current top ten lists of reputed outlets such as ESPN.com, Yahoo! Uncrowned and Ring Magazine.
Valle has won major title at atomweight (102lbs), strawweight and junior flyweight (108lbs) dating back to her first title win in 2016. She was also the unified the IBF and WBO belts at both 105lbs and 108lbs.
Her first strawweight title reign ended in a ten-round, unanimous decision to unbeaten Seniesa Estrada in their terrific undisputed championship clash last March 29 in Glendale, Arizona. The bout was, by far, the toughest in the career of Estrada, who was a top-three pound-for-pound entrant.
A rematch was sought by Valle, only for Estrada to announce her retirement months after their memorable clash. The wildly popular Nicaraguan-Costa Rican star opted to instead become the face of the strawweight division.
She claimed the vacant WBC 105lbs title in a ten-round virtual shutout of Elizabeth Lopez last November 1 in Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The event was among many home country appearances in front of capacity.
Valle has since added a ten-round, unanimous decision win over former lineal and unified flyweight champion Marlen Esparza on March 29 in Cancun, Mexico. The fight took place two weights above Valle’s comfort zone – and which also saw Esparza badly miss weight. It mattered little, as the 32-year-old further proved why she is truly among the best in the sport today.
Far and away the face of boxing in Costa Rica, Valle has proven to be so much more than just a boxer outside the ring. She and longtime manager Mario Vega head Yoka Sports & Boxing Promotions, a venture designed to create opportunities for the next generation of fighters, especially women.
Valle is also a model and brand ambassador for Vaseline, Kolbi, Grupo Mutual, Dexketo, and Chery, among other products. Additionally, Valle previously released her own “Yoka” perfume.
All told, the joint venture with MVP could not be a better fit for the modern-day renaissance woman.
“MVP has shown they believe in women and in our ability to fill arenas and break barriers, and I’m here to leave my heart in every fight,” noted Valle. “Thank you to MVP for believing in me, to my team who never let go of me, and to all my Latino people who have supported me, no matter the distance.
“This new stage is for you… because together, we’re going to keep making history.”
