Former WBO featherweight champion Heather Hardy is taking her fight to the courtroom, filing a lawsuit seeking more than $10 million from Jake Paul, Most Valuable Promotions and other defendants. The complaint centers on Hardy’s August 5th, 2023 rematch against Amanda Serrano, which Hardy alleges resulted in permanent neurological damage and ultimately ended her professional boxing career.
via Uncrowned:
The complaint, obtained by Uncrowned, stems from a fight between Hardy and seven-division champion Amanda Serrano, an undercard bout for Paul’s boxing match against former UFC star Nate Diaz on Aug. 5, 2023. Holden, who became MVP’s COO in February 2024, was the licensed promoter for the Paul vs. Diaz event through Holden Boxing.
Hardy alleges that the defendants exploited Hardy’s reputation and financial vulnerability to organize a “dangerous and unnecessary rematch” with Serrano.
Filed September 23rd in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Hardy’s complaint alleges that the defendants knew or should have known the Serrano rematch presented a serious risk of neurological injury. The lawsuit includes allegations of gross negligence and violations of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act, among other claims. Hardy’s allegations have not been proven in court, and Most Valuable Promotions has disputed her claims. The case now places fighter safety and promotional responsibility at the center of a potentially significant legal battle in professional boxing.
