Australia’s unified middleweight world champion Desley Robinson is locked in for a blockbuster title defence – and she won’t be flying solo.
The Queensland star (12-3, 4 KOs) is locked in to defend her IBF and WBO belts against unbeaten Canadian and two-time Olympian Tamm Thibeault (4-0, 3 KOs) on Sunday, August 9 in Orlando.
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The stacked Most Valuable Promotions card will also feature fellow Aussie undisputed champion Cherneka Johnson, who will defend all her hardware against Dina Thorslund – in a huge night for Aussie boxing on the world stage.
The title fights will be shown live on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports at no extra cost to subscribers.
Robinson, a mother of three, has come a long way since taking up boxing to improve her fitness at 14, going on to win multiple Queensland and Australian titles before capturing a world championship in 2024.
“I’m thrilled to be fighting alongside Cherneka Johnson on such a massive card,” said Robinson in a press release.
“But first and foremost, I have a tough challenge in front of me against Tamm Thibeault. She’s an exceptional athlete, a two-time Olympian, and the number one contender for a reason.
“This is exactly the kind of fight champions want, the best facing the best with world titles on the line.”
“A huge thank you to Fox Sports Australia for continuing to support and showcase women’s boxing back home. To have two Australian world champions competing on one of the biggest stages in the sport is something special.
“Cherneka and I both have a job to do, and we’re coming to win, bring our world titles back to Australia, and continue building momentum toward a major MVP event in Australia. Women’s boxing is thriving down under, and on Sunday, August 9 we’re ready to show the world why.”
Johnson echoed the sentiment, saying sharing the card with Robinson is a major moment for Aussie boxing.
“To have two Australian world champions leading one of the biggest cards in women’s boxing this year is incredibly special,” Johnson said.
“Desley and I have both worked our entire lives for opportunities like this, and now we get to represent Australia on a global stage and show the world the level of talent coming out of our country.”
Robinson will have her work cut out for her, with Thibeault currently ranked No.1 by the WBA, IBF and WBO, and No.4 by the WBC in the middleweight division.
The Canadian southpaw, who stands 6-foot tall, brings a stacked amateur resume – including appearances at two Olympic Games and gold medals at the 2022 World Championships, Commonwealth Games and Pan American Games.
She’s also one of the fastest-rising title contenders in the sport, with just four pro fights to her name.
“Sunday, August 9 can’t come soon enough,” said Thibeault.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, but more than anything, I feel ready. I’m so grateful to MVP for giving me this opportunity in just my fifth professional fight to show what I’m truly capable of and become a unified world champion.
“Desley Robinson is a tremendous champion and Australia should be proud of what she’s accomplished. I know exactly how difficult it is to reach the top of this sport, and I have a lot of respect for her journey.
“But respect only goes so far when the bell rings.
“I’m preparing mentally and physically for the toughest fight of my career, and I’m ready to go to war if that’s what it takes.”
Robinson’s last outing came just last month against fellow Canadian Mary Spencer on the MVPW-03 card, where she scored a dominant unanimous decision win and picked up a $20,000 Performance of the Night bonus.
Her MVP bosses have been very impressed.
“Australia’s Desley Robinson is built different,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions.
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“A single mother of three who just defended her belts in a career-best performance, and didn’t hesitate to accept a title defence against Tamm Thibeault.
“This is a true best-versus-best matchup between two world-class athletes in their prime.”