Celebrity boxer and MVP (Most Valuable Promotions) co-founder Jake Paul is accused of picking a shoplifter to protect the legacy of his top female star Amanda Serrano, who needed a series of dominant performances to secure a big-money rematch. against longtime rival Katie Taylor.
That’s according to a complaint filed earlier this week by Hardy and his legal team. The Heat are suing Paul and MVP for $10 million in negligence and violations of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act. Hardy claims he was bullied into a fight he didn’t want to take and then suffered “permanent neurological damage.”
“No one called for this rematch,” the complaint said (via MMA junkie). “The only person really interested in this fight was Jake Paul, who could use Heather’s body as a sacrifice for Serrano, a new addition to his stable of women that he would benefit greatly from representing. 2023 Serrano vs. Hardy the fight was not a fight; it was an execution. Heather beat Serrano to 278 shots, including 242 in 20 minutes. After 10 rounds, Heather lost the bout – by decision, not knockout. The fight was a tough time: Heather, crying in the ring after repeated blows to the head, barely made it to the end of the fight.
Hardy (24-3) claims that promoter Lou DiBella “refused to publicly participate in negotiations due to safety concerns” and that Serrano’s bout was handled by Serrano’s trainer and brother-in-law Jordan Maldonado instead. Unfortunately, Hardy believed he was dealing directly with Serrano, not Maldonado.
“Heather’s participation on our August 5, 2023 card came through her promoter Lou DiBella, who signed the fight, and Heather publicly expressed her gratitude for the opportunity both before and after the fight,” MVP said. statement to ESPN. “MVP followed the protocols in place for the fight, Heather was medically cleared to compete by the athletic commission overseeing the event, and the match was conducted under the authority and supervision of the commission in accordance with their standard medical and safety requirements. MVP remains committed to the safety of the fighters and supporting the athletes who compete in our events in full compliance with the standards of the commission.”
