Brooklyn Boxer Heather Hardy Sues Boxing Industry, Citing Negligence in Neurological Decline
NEW YORK, NY – Brooklyn-based boxer Heather Hardy has filed a lawsuit against multiple entities within the boxing world, alleging negligence that led to debilitating neurological injuries sustained during her professional career. The suit seeks unspecified damages and reimbursement for medical expenses related to conditions she attributes to repeated head trauma.
Hardy, 42, is suing the New York State Athletic Commission, alleging it improperly issued licenses allowing her to continue fighting despite potential risks. She also names everlast Worldwide and its parent company, Frasers Group; Boxing Insider, owned by Larry Goldberg; and boxing promoter Lou DiBella as defendants.
The lawsuit stems from injuries Hardy believes are directly linked to her boxing career, culminating in a bout against Amanda Serrano on august 5, 2023, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, where she absorbed 278 punches and lost by unanimous decision. Months after the fight, Hardy experienced a three-day period of vision loss.A physician recommended by the commission suggested a neurological evaluation, but Hardy stated in court filings she could not afford it.
Hardy is experiencing symptoms consistent with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
Larry Goldberg’s lawyer, Keith Sullivan, dismissed the allegations as “absolute horses-t,” claiming documentation proves the claims are false and arguing the lawsuit against Boxing Insider should be dismissed. Lou DiBella’s lawyer, Alex Dombroff, labeled the suit “sensationalist fiction” and has filed for its dismissal.
Several boxing sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, have characterized the lawsuit as a “shakedown” and questioned why Most Valuable Promotions, co-owned by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian – the promoters of Hardy’s final match – were not named in the suit.
One source stated, “Heather should never have been in the ring with Serrano.”
Another source suggested other potential contributing factors to Hardy’s condition,including past domestic abuse,alcohol consumption,and a recent e-bike accident. A source claimed Hardy “admitted to drinking a bottle of wine every night for 10 years” in an online video, though The Post was unable to verify the claim. Hardy’s court papers state doctors at NYU Langone attributed her alcohol use to neurological issues caused by her boxing career.
Representatives for everlast,Sethi,and Most Valuable Productions have not responded to requests for comment.
