MVPW02: Nat Dove narrowly remains unbeaten after hard-fought split decision
The Philadelphia-born-and-raised Nat Dove is known for her tough fighting style, pushing the pace on her opponents in every fight. A 15-time US champion trained by DJ Walton, the father of fellow MVP talent Javon Walton, “No Love” is 7-0-1. Dove last fought in December, scoring a six-round decision win over Perla Lomeli.
Maria Micheo Santizo did not get a start in boxing until the age of 21; however, she’s had a major impact on her home country of Guatemala. Santizo is a former two-time title challenger, entering tonight with a record of 14-6. Santizo last fought in October, scoring a sixth-round stoppage of Johana Lizbeth Diaz.
ROUND 1
Each gets a left hand off to start. Santizo with a right hand. Combinations from both. Right hand by Dove as Santizo gets her to the ropes. Inside shots by Dove as she lands in the clinch. Santizo with a combination. Body shots land for Dove. Right hand by Dove. Right hand by Dove. Left hand by Santizo. Straights from both women. Lefty hand by Dove. Left hand by Dove again. Left hand by Dove to counter a right hand by Santizo.
ROUND 2
A clinch right away, with both women landing inside. Santizo with a combination. Uppercut misses for Santizo. Wide shots from both women. Dove lands a straight. Dove with a right hand. Power shot by Santizo. Left hand by Santizo. Body shot by Santizo before a clinch. Dove with a strong combination, buckling Santizo’s knees with a left hook. Right hand to the body by Dove. Both women land inside again in another clinch. Dove connects and pressures Santizo before the bell.
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HUGE hook by Nat Dove!
— MVP – Most Valuable Promotions (@MostVpromotions) April 18, 2026
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ROUND 3
A body shot from Santizo. Hooks landing by Santizo. Dove with a straight left. Dove works the body now. Santizo tries to get inside for wide shots. Another clinch to prevent that. Santizo with a combination. Another combination from Santizo. A left and a right by Dove. The two exchanging in the center. Inside shots by Santizo. Body combination by Santizo. Left hands by Santizo. Santizo with another combination.
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Great battle to end Round 3 from Dove and Micheo!
— MVP – Most Valuable Promotions (@MostVpromotions) April 18, 2026
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ROUND 4
Santizo looks to attack the body. Dove looks to work the jab, but Santizo again attacks with wild hooks. Dove lands a punch inside. Dove lands a strong right to the body. Another strong right. Santizo battling with counterpunches. Left hook by Dove. Left straight by Dove. Left hand by Santizo. Both connect with straights. Dove with a couple of left hooks. Dove lands a strong counter.
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Nat Dove throwing body shots in Round 4!
— MVP – Most Valuable Promotions (@MostVpromotions) April 18, 2026
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ROUND 5
Santzo looks to come forward, but Dove lands a right hand. Dove lands a straight to counter Santizo’s hooks. Quick left hook by Dove. Santizo with a combination. Dove with a straight. Dove catches Santizo with an uppercut. Dove with a left hand. Santizo with body shots. Santizo with a right hand. Dove with a one-two. Santizo lands a left. Both land a lead hand. Dove with a left straight. Hooks from both women. One-two by Santizo.
ROUND 6
The two exchange to start off the round. Santizo coming forward. Santizo misses a right hand. Santizo tries a combination. Dove landing a right hand. Dove with a left straight. One-two by Santizo. A clinch that requires separation. Dove looks to get inside, and Santizo lands inside. Santizo with a one-two. Strong uppercut by Dove! Dove with a strong left hand. Right hand by Dove. Combination by Santizo.
ROUND 7
Both women go right to work. Dove circles on the outside some. Santizo goes in with a combination, and Dove clinches. Another clinch. Dove with a combination. Santizo lands a left hand. Santizo lands a strong right hand. Santizo landing on the inside with power, pressuring and troubling Dove. Dove with a left hand. Right hand by Santizo. Dove with a left hand. Both women landing inside shots. Dove with a left hand. Santizo with a left hand. Dove looks to get inside before the bell.
ROUND 8
Santizo swinging to start! She’s landing flurries! Dove with a left hand. Right and a left from Santizo. Right hand by Dove. Right hand to the body lands for Santizo. Left hand by Dove catches Santizo coming in. Inside trading, Santizo lands one to the head. Both land on the body in close. Left hand by Dove. Dove with a combination.
OFFICIAL RESULT
Nat Dove def. Maria Micheo Santizo via split decision (77-75 x2, 75-77)
