Former boxing champion Heather Hardy has filed a lawsuit seeking more than $10 million against Jake Paul and his Most Valuable Promotions following her lone appearance for the organization in what was her final fight in 2023.
The lawsuit, officially filed on Sept. 23 in Texas, alleges negligence and violations of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act.
In the lawsuit, Hardy claims Paul’s promotion placed her “into a dangerous and unnecessary rematch against MVP-represented Amanda Serrano (“Serrano”). Defendants
knew, or should have known, that the bout presented an extraordinary and foreseeable risk of serious neurological harm to Hardy. They moved forward anyway.”
Hardy ultimately lost the fight by unanimous decision and she promptly retired afterwards.
More recently, Hardy launched a Go Fund Me to help her cover cost of living expenses as she deals with the fallout from a career spent in combat sports.
“After years of taking punches for the sport I loved, I suffered a traumatic brain injury,” Hardy said. “The damage has affected my health, my vision, and my ability to work consistently enough to cover basic living expenses and necessities.”
Following the news that Hardy was filing a lawsuit against Paul and his Most Valuable Promotions, the organization issued a statement to ESPN in response.
“MVP has great respect for Heather Hardy,” MVP said in a statement toESPN. “We recognize the difficulty of her circumstances and extend our sincere sympathy and hope that she receives the care and support she deserves.
“Heather’s participation on our August 5, 2023 card was arranged through her promoter, Lou DiBella, who contracted for the fight, and Heather publicly expressed her gratitude for the opportunity both before and after the fight. MVP followed applicable protocols for the fight, Heather was medically cleared to compete by the athletic commission overseeing the event, and the bout proceeded under the commission’s authority and supervision in accordance with their standard medical and safety requirements. MVP remains committed to fighter safety and supporting the athletes who compete in our events in full compliance with commission standards.”
