Jake Paul and Eddie Hearn have seemingly ended their bitter rivalry after teaming up for a “long-term collaboration” to help women's boxing.
The 'Problem Child' has transformed women's boxing since launching Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) alongside business partner Nakisa Bidarian five years ago. MVP features boxing stars such as Amanda Serrano and Caroline Dubois, while Hearn and Matchroom promote Irish sensation Katie Taylor.
Feud and Lawsuit Behind Them
While the two promotions have done wonders for women's boxing, both Paul and Hearn have never really seen eye-to-eye. The pair promoted Taylor's trilogy meeting with Serrano - which ended up bringing in historic numbers. Their feud led to a lawsuit after Paul accused Matchroom of 'fixing fights' - but their defamation lawsuit did not proceed to trial after both Hearn and Paul agreed to an out-of-court settlement last year. However, the pair will now be in business together after the two promotions announced a joint strategic partnership.
Strategic Alliance Announced
The plan is to create bigger opportunities for female fighters. “MVP and Matchroom Boxing today announced a landmark strategic alliance that brings together two of boxing's most influential promotional organisations,” read a press release. “in a long-term collaboration focused on accelerating the continued global growth of women's boxing.
“The strategic alliance brings together MVP's industry-leading platform for women’s boxing and Matchroom Boxing’s global promotional expertise and world-class roster, to create significant new opportunities for female fighters both inside and outside the ring.
“The alliance reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the long-term ecosystem of women's boxing. Rather than competing in isolation, MVP and Matchroom Boxing will work together to identify career-defining opportunities for elite female athletes, support the continued growth of world championship competition, and help expand the global audience for women's boxing through premium events, innovative storytelling, and increased commercial investment in the sport.”
Joint Statement from Paul and Bidarian
In a joint-statement, Paul and Bidarian said: "Since launching MVPW, our goal has been to build the biggest platform in the world for women's boxing and create transformative opportunities for female fighters at every stage of their careers.
"Partnering with Matchroom Boxing is another major step toward that vision. Historically, Matchroom played an instrumental role in elevating women's boxing globally, and together we have an opportunity to create even bigger moments for the sport and the athletes driving it forward. This is about investing in the future of the sport and creating the premier destination for the world's best female fighters."
Hearn's Reaction
While Hearn added: “This is a partnership not many would have seen coming, but it is one that makes perfect sense. For a long time, Matchroom has singlehandedly carried the flag for women’s boxing. In recent years, MVP have done an incredible job, too.
“They now have an unprecedented stable of champions and continue to break the boundaries for women’s boxing time and time again. For our female fighters to chase legacy and to fight the best, this new alliance is integral, and we are fully committed to working together with MVPW [MVP’s women’s boxing branch] to continue to grow women’s boxing.”
