Former boxing champion Heather Hardy has filed a lawsuit seeking more than $10 million against Jake Paul and his most valuable promotions after her only appearance for the organization in what was its final fight in 2023.
The lawsuit, officially filed September 23 in Texas, alleges negligence and violations of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act.
In the lawsuit, Hardy claims Paul’s promotion placed her “in a dangerous and unnecessary rematch against Amanda Serrano (“Serrano”), represented by MVP. Defendants knew, or should have known, that the fight presented an extraordinary and foreseeable risk of serious neurological harm to Hardy. They moved forward anyway.”
Hardy ultimately lost the fight via unanimous decision and she quickly retired afterward.
Most recently, Hardy started a Go Fund Me to help cover her living expenses as she deals with the fallout from a past career in combat sports.
“After years of taking hits 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 regularly enough to cover living expenses and basic necessities. »
Following the news that Hardy was taking legal action against Paul and his most valuable promotions, the organization released a statement to ESPN in response.
“MVP has great respect for Heather Hardy,” MVP said in a statement to ESPN. “We recognize the difficulty of her situation and express our sincere sympathy to her and hope that she receives the care and support she deserves.
“Heather’s participation in our August 5, 2023 card was arranged by her promoter, Lou DiBella, who signed a contract for the fight, and Heather publicly expressed her gratitude for this opportunity 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 fight took place under the authority and supervision of the commission in accordance with their standard medical and safety requirements. MVP remains committed to ensuring the safety of fighters and to support the athletes who participate in our events in full compliance with the standards of the commission.
Gn sports
