Jake Paul Sued for $10 Million Over Career-Ending Fight
Former WBO featherweight champion Heather Hardy (24-3, 4 KOs) is suing Jake Paul for over $10 million, alleging that her 2023 rematch with Amanda Serrano caused permanent neurological injuries which ultimately ended her fighting career.
Hardy lost a unanimous decision to Serrano in August 2023 on the Paul-Nate Diaz undercard. The bout was contested at featherweight, with Serrano defending her undisputed championship. Hardy has not fought since, and alleges that the contest caused lasting health problems, including memory loss and impaired vision.
The complaint alleges that Hardy’s longtime promoter, Lou DiBella, and others in her camp opposed the rematch over safety concerns. Hardy nevertheless agreed to participate in the fight.
Hardy’s complaint accuses Paul and his promotional outfit, MVP, of negligence and violations of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act. It alleges that the Serrano fight caused further neurological damage.
MVP disputes the allegations. The promotion says Hardy’s participation was arranged through DiBella, that she was medically cleared by the overseeing athletic commission, and that the bout complied with applicable safety requirements.
The September 23 lawsuit, filed in federal court in Texas, also names MVP executive Bryce Holden and Holden Boxing as defendants. The allegations have not been established in court.