Amanda Serrano, the star women’s boxer of Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), was not impressed with the social media influencer after their first meeting, said Nakisa Bidarian, Paul’s business partner.
It happened in 2020 when Serrano fought on the undercard of Paul’s pro boxing debut, according to Bidarian.
“She tried to shake Jake’s hand,’’ Bidarian told USA TODAY Sports. “Jake gave her a fist bump. She later told us she was offended.’’
But Paul meant no offense with the fist bump, Bidarian said.
“He was actually very sick,’’ Bidarian said. “We didn’t realize he had COVID. It hadn’t been announced yet that COVID was a thing, but Jake was very, very sick.
“And so, fast forward from there.’’
(Paul’s pro boxing debut came in January 2020.)
Serrano signed with MVP in September 2021, and her visibility and bank account quickly grew. She will make more than $2 million when she fights Taylor for the third time, according to Bidarian.
Serrano’s success with MVP has given the company credibility with other top women fighters – 20 who have joined Serrano at MVP.
“Listen, Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian and MVP have changed my life completely,’’ Serrano said on ‘The Breakfast Club’ podcast June 10. “They have changed the sport of female boxing, and I am super proud to be part of that.’’