Heather Hardy sues Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions

          • Brett OkamotoSep 27, 2026, 04:28 PM ET
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              Brett Okamoto has reported on mixed martial arts and boxing at ESPN since 2010. He has covered all of the biggest events in combat sports during that time, including in-depth interviews and features with names such as Dana White, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Georges St-Pierre. He was also a producer on the 30 for 30 film: "Chuck and Tito," which looked back at the careers and rivalry of Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. He lives in Las Vegas, and is an avid, below-average golfer in his spare time.
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          Former WBO featherweight champion Heather Hardy has filed a lawsuit against Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions seeking more than $10 million.

          The lawsuit, which Hardy filed Sept. 23 in the U.S. District Court of Northern Texas, alleges negligence and violations of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act. The allegations stem from the final fight of Hardy's career, a decision loss to Amanda Serrano on Aug. 5, 2023, in Dallas. Hardy, 44, claims to have suffered "permanent brain injury" during the loss and alleges the defendants ignored potential warning signs for the sake of a lucrative matchup.

          Hardy, of Brooklyn, New York, also alleges MVP hid behind Holden Boxing in the licensed promotion of the event in order to avoid legal liability.

          "MVP has great respect for Heather Hardy," MVP said in a statement to ESPN. "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. 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."

          Earlier this year, Hardy (24-3, 4 KOs) launched a GoFundMe campaign in which she stated damage from her boxing career has "affected my health, my vision, and my ability to work consistently enough to cover basic living expenses and necessities."

          Hardy and Serrano (50-4, 32 KOs) first fought in September 2019, with Serrano defending her WBO and WBC interim featherweight titles. Serrano won the rematch handily in 2023 by judges' scores of 100-90, 100-90 and 99-91.