The YouTuber-turned-boxer is gearing up for an awkward reunion with the boxing promoter next month, ahead of a potential meeting in court.
Paul and Hearn once collaborated on the 2022 promotion of Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano, but their relationship soured after the controversial outcome favored Taylor.
The tipping point came when Paul, frustrated with judge Glenn Feldman’s scorecards in both the Taylor-Serrano fight and the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Anthony Joshua rematch, accused Hearn of paying off the judge during an interview. Feldman’s scores for both bouts raised eyebrows, particularly when he awarded a large margin to Taylor in her fight against Serrano, leading to a split decision.
Paul, who promotes Serrano under his MVP banner, was especially upset, accusing Feldman of bias. In the interview with IFL TV, Paul said: “I still believe Amanda Serrano won the fight [against Taylor]. Feldman scored a large gap in favor of Taylor, even giving her rounds Amanda clearly won. This guy also gave the Usyk-Joshua rematch to Joshua. It feels like a repeated crime here.”
He went on to allege: “This judge, Glenn Feldman, is clearly being paid by Matchroom Boxing.”
Hearn did not take kindly to these accusations and responded with a lawsuit seeking over $100 million in damages for defamation. Last month, Paul’s attempt to have the lawsuit dismissed failed, with a New York judge scheduling a hearing for October 16 to move forward with the case.
Now, according to reports from TMZ, Paul has filed a counter-lawsuit, claiming that Hearn’s lawsuit is an attempt to silence his right to free speech. Paul is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as coverage for legal fees, arguing that his statements were expressions of opinion, hyperbole, or humor.
Hearn’s attorney, Frank Salzano, responded, calling Paul’s counter-claim “meritless” and insisting that it would be dismissed. Salzano explained that while anti-SLAPP laws protect free speech, they do not cover false or defamatory statements, which he argues Paul’s comments clearly were.
Despite the legal tension, Paul and Hearn are set for a public reunion next month. Both are expected to attend the fight week ahead of Paul’s highly anticipated clash with Mike Tyson on November 15, which coincides with the Taylor vs. Serrano rematch. Hearn has stated that while he will be there to support Taylor, he has no intention of staying for the Paul-Tyson fight, calling it a disservice to the sport.
Speaking to *talkSPORT*, Hearn said: “It’s difficult to give a negative opinion because you’re labeled a hater, but I’m just being honest. I think it’s a huge shame that someone like Mike Tyson, a boxing legend, is coming back at 58. You have no respect for the sport if you’re putting him in the ring at that age. If he gets hurt, it’s on those people. I think it’s very sad for boxing.”
The drama surrounding Paul and Hearn’s legal battle and the upcoming fight only adds to the intrigue of what promises to be an eventful night in the boxing world.
