Montreal boxer Kim Clavel, a former WBC light-flyweight world champion, has signed with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions.
Clavel, who is expected to make her debut as a MVP fighter in the fall, joins fellow Canadians (Prince) Lucas Bahdi and Tamm Thibeault on MVP's roster. Thibeault was part of MVP's all-female boxing card last month at Madison Square Garden, stopping previously unbeaten American Mary Casamassa in the fifth round.
“A new chapter begins with MVP — pride, motivation, and the honour of joining a team that’s redefining women’s boxing," Clavel said in a statement.
The 34-year-old Clavel previously fought under the Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) umbrella.
"I also want to thank the GYM team for helping me get to this point," said Clavel. "We have come a long way but we still have far to go.”
Clavel (21-2-0 with three knockouts) has won four straight since losing her WBC title by split decision to Argentina's Evelin Bermudez in October 2023.
Clavel, who fights at 108 pounds, is ranked the No. 1 light-flyweight contender by the WBC, IBF and WBO.
An accomplished amateur boxer and trained nurse, Clavel put boxing aside during the pandemic to work in a long-term care facility.
“Kim Clavel is the definition of a champion, not just in the ring, but in life,” Paul and MVO co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said in a statement. “From stepping away from boxing at the height of her career to return to nursing during the pandemic, to earning the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPY awards (in 2020), Kim has shown the kind of courage, selflessness, and commitment that inspires millions.
"She’s also a world-class athlete, a former world champion whose talent and work ethic have made her a fan favourite in Canada. At MVP, we’re honoured to welcome Kim to the family and to help her write the next chapter of her career."
Bahdi, meanwhile, improved to 20-0-0 with a decision over former world champion Roger (The Kid) Gutierrez of Venezuela on Saturday in Orlando in a WBA lightweight title eliminator.
But his title shot against American champion Gervonta (Tank) Davis will have to wait, given that Davis takes on Paul in an exhibition bout on Nov. 14 in Atlanta.
Paul, 28 is an influencer, actor and boxer with an eye for promotion. He has won boxing bouts against former MMA fighters Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz and outpointed a 58-year-old Mike Tyson in November.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 26, 2025
Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press
