Ring announcer Lupe Contreras completed the scorecard reading and declared Oshae Jones the winner by split decision, yet Jones appeared more surprised than pleased. Two judges favored Jones in last July's contest, one by an eight-rounds-to-two margin and another six rounds to four, while the third awarded every round to opponent Ella Carranza.

On Saturday, Jones intends to remove any doubt when she defends her IBF junior middleweight belt in a rematch against Carranza, serving as the headline attraction for Most Valuable Promotions' MVPW-04 at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida (ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET). The co-main event features WBC featherweight champion Tiara Brown defending against undefeated Hannah Rapp.

Jones and Brown, both recently signed world champions with MVP, make their first appearances under the new promotion. Though undefeated, each feels the need to demonstrate her standing, though their motivations differ. Jones aims for a decisive outcome against Carranza, while Brown hopes to show that her March 2025 victory over Skye Nicolson was no accident and that she belongs among pound-for-pound contenders.

"I definitely did not want this fight," Jones (9-0, 3 KOs), the 2020 Olympic bronze medalist, said. "When I beat her the first time, I was not at full strength but I finished the job, and that should have been enough. Now it is a major rematch, which pushes me to dominate completely."

Jones, 28, noted that personal matters and switching trainers from Bozy Ennis to Rasheen Jefferson influenced her showing versus Carranza (11-2, 3 KOs), yet she still believed she had done enough to win clearly.

"The judge who gave Carranza every round was the same one who scored against me in the Hermans fight in 2024, and I hope he is not involved this time," Jones said. "He complicates things because clear victories become split decisions. It has changed how others view my performances."

Before those two split decisions, Jones had knocked out her prior three opponents. She anticipates beginning another knockout run against Carranza.

"I do not expect this to last 10 rounds," Jones said. "I will do everything needed to set up the finish."

In the co-main event, Brown is not focused solely on her opponent but wants to confirm she is the top-level fighter she appeared to be against Nicolson.

"I defeated Skye Nicolson, yet the achievement received little attention," Brown, 38, said. "I felt overlooked after that win. I traveled to Australia, beat their top prospect and did not get the recognition I earned."

Brown (20-0, 11 KOs) began her professional career at age 28 and has performed strongly since. A former officer with police departments in Washington, D.C., and Fort Myers, Florida, Brown anticipates strong local backing against Rapp (8-0-1, 5 KOs) while competing in her home state.

"Many family members and friends will see me fight for the first time, and it is on ESPN near home," Brown said. "I prepared for Hannah Rapp as if she were the best in the world and I had everything to prove. I covered every detail in training and plan to make my mark Saturday night."

Both fighters recognize that MVP's backing from co-founder Jake Paul and the ESPN platform will bring greater visibility. With added attention comes added pressure to perform well and justify their signings.

"This marks my first MVP event on ESPN, so I want it to stand out," Jones said. "It may not be simple, but I will make it appear that way by using every skill to end the fight."

Brown, who once attended MVP media sessions hoping for a contract, aims for a performance that advances her goal of becoming a leading figure in women's boxing.

"You will see more from me because I have rarely needed to change my approach mid-fight," Brown said. "I possess many skills and tactics not yet displayed. I will adjust on Saturday and look to finish Hannah Rapp."

"I am here now, and no one will remove me. No one will sideline me. I train constantly throughout the year and refuse to be stopped."