Jake Paul and Eddie Hearn put differences aside to form 'strategic alliance'

Jake Paul and Eddie Hearn have put their differences aside as Paul’s MVP and Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing announced an alliance Tuesday.

MVP and Matchroom, arguably the two leading promoters worldwide in female boxing, have come together with view to “accelerating the continued global growth of women’s boxing.”

Paul, alongside MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian, has built an exceptionally strong promotional stable of women’s talent in recent years.

Hearn, who in September stages the final fight of Katie Taylor’s career in Dublin, has worked with the Irish superstar in 2016 in something of a lightbulb moment regarding women's boxing for the promoter.

“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,” stated the marketing material regarding the link-up.

Hearn and Paul haven’t always seen eye to eye, however.

Paul faced legal repercussions for suggesting Hearn was responsible for ‘fixing’ fights. There was also some squabbling during the Taylor-Amanda Serrano three-fight rivalry as well as more tongue-in-cheek teasing ahead of Paul’s loss to Anthony Joshua in December.

“This is a partnership not many would have seen coming,” Hearn stated on the press release. “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 to continue to grow women’s boxing.”