Heather Hardy sues Jake Paul and MVP for $10M over brain injuries

Former WBO featherweight champion Heather Hardy has filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, seeking over $10 million in damages. The lawsuit names Jake Paul, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), Bryce Holden, and Holden Boxing as defendants.

Hardy alleges that the defendants were negligent in arranging her August 2023 rematch against Amanda Serrano, which took place on the undercard of the Paul-Nate Diaz event in Dallas. The complaint claims the promotional structure allowed MVP to benefit from the event while avoiding regulatory responsibility for fighter safety. Hardy alleges that the fight resulted in permanent neurological damage, including traumatic brain injury, memory loss, double vision, anxiety, and spatial confusion.

According to the filing, medical assessments suggest these impairments may leave Hardy unable to maintain regular employment. Hardy’s legal team further alleges violations of the Muhammad Ali Act and gross negligence, claiming the matchup was pushed forward despite concerns regarding her health and career stage.

In a statement, Most Valuable Promotions denied the allegations, asserting that they followed all applicable protocols and that Hardy was medically cleared by the overseeing athletic commission. MVP noted that the fight was arranged through Hardy’s promoter, Lou DiBella, and that the bout proceeded under official commission supervision.