Former world boxing champion Heather Hardy has filed a lawsuit seeking more than $10 million in damages against Jake Paul, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), and others over her 2023 rematch with Amanda Serrano.
The lawsuit, filed on Sept. 23 in Texas, alleges negligence and violations of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act. At the center of the case is Hardy’s claim that she was placed in a dangerous fight that ultimately contributed to serious and permanent neurological injuries.
Heather Hardy sues Jake Paul and MVP over the rematch with Serrano, arguing that the promotion moved forward with the bout despite concerns about the risks involved.
According to the complaint, Hardy believes MVP knowingly put her in a matchup that posed a significant threat to her health.
“In or around April 2023, Hardy believed she was communicating directly with Serrano about a potential rematch and understood those discussions to be part of an ordinary, legitimate negotiation process between opposing sides,” the lawsuit states.
The filing alleges that Hardy later learned she had allegedly been communicating with Jordan Maldonado, Serrano’s trainer and brother-in-law, rather than Serrano herself.
The complaint also claims that several people in Hardy’s corner opposed the fight.
“When Heather brought this rematch idea to Lou DiBella, he balked,” the complaint states. “It was not an even match, and DiBella strongly advised Heather against it. This did not stop MVP.”
The rematch took place on Aug. 5, 2023, on the undercard of Jake Paul’s boxing match against Nate Diaz. Serrano earned a unanimous decision victory, and Hardy retired from professional boxing shortly afterward.
More recently, Hardy revealed she has been dealing with serious health issues stemming from her combat sports career. She launched a GoFundMe campaign and said the damage has affected both her health and ability to work.
“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.”
The lawsuit further alleges that the Serrano rematch played a significant role in her long-term medical problems.
“The 2023 Serrano vs. Hardy bout was not a fight; it was an execution,” the complaint states. “Heather took 278 punches from Serrano, including 242 within a 20-minute span.”
The filing claims Hardy now suffers from several medical conditions, including post-concussion syndrome, vision problems, PTSD, depression, insomnia, and other neurological issues.
Despite the allegations, MVP has strongly defended its handling of the event. Following news that Heather Hardy sues Jake Paul, the promotion released a statement expressing sympathy for Hardy while rejecting claims of wrongdoing.
“MVP has great respect for Heather Hardy,” the company said in a statement. “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,” the statement continued. “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.”
The case is still in its early stages, and no court ruling has been made on the allegations. For now, Heather Hardy sues Jake Paul and MVP in a legal battle that could draw significant attention across the boxing world as both sides prepare to present their arguments.
