Jake Paul is reportedly now counter-suing Eddie Hearn as the legal battle between the pair intensifies.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer is set for an awkward reunion with the promoter next month, before a potential meeting in the courtroom.

Hearn and Paul promoted Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano together in 2022, but their relationship fractured after the debatable result landed in Taylor’s favourMichelle Farisi/Matchroom

In 2022, Hearn sued Paul after the American did an interview in which he accused the Brit of paying boxing judge Glenn Feldman following the results of the Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua rematch and Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano.

Feldman came under fire for scoring the rematch for AJ, which ultimately was a split decision in Usyk’s favour.

Paul was particularly unhappy with how Feldman had Taylor winning by a score of 97-93 earlier in the year, contributing to a split decision defeat for Serrano, who Paul promotes under his MVP banner.

After the second debatable scorecard from Feldman, Paul let his prior frustrations be known.

Speaking during an interview with IFL TV, which has since been removed from YouTube, Paul said: “I still think Amanda Serrano won the fight [over Katie Taylor].

“Then you see how this judge Glenn Feldman, who had the biggest gap between Taylor and Serrano.

“Everyone pretty much had it a draw, a draw or that Amanda won. But there’s this judge, Glenn Feldman, who scored it such a big gap for Taylor, gave rounds that Amanda clearly won, to Taylor.

“Everyone who watched the fight [knows] it’s not a split decision. Usyk had a runaway victory, clearly won the fight. This judge, Glenn Feldman, gives it to Anthony Joshua. It’s like a repeated crime here.

“This type of s***, I’m going to call it out here in boxing because it’s bulls***. Clearly, this guy is getting paid money by Matchroom Boxing.”

Hearn did not take kindly to these remarks.

Paul was seething at Feldman’s scorecardsMichelle Farsi/Most Valuable Promotions

The Matchroom Boxing boss filed a lawsuit which, according to his lawyer Frank Salzano, sees him seeking damages in excess of $100million (£92million).

Last month, Paul attempted to have this lawsuit dismissed, but failed as a New York judge instead scheduled a hearing for today, October 16, to move forward with the legal battle.

Now though, according to TMZ, Paul has fired back by launching a counter-lawsuit of his own.

Paul is reportedly arguing that Hearn’s lawsuit is nothing more than an attempt to silence his right to free speech using intimidation tactics.

He is now seeking compensatory and punitive damages, in addition to the cost of legal fees being covered.

In his defence against Hearn’s defamation lawsuit, Paul argues: “The defamation claim is barred because the challenged statements were expressions of opinion, hyperbole, and/or humour.”

Hearn has not taken Paul’s comments lying downMark Robinson/Matchroom

Hearn’s lawyer Salzano responded in a statement that Paul’s counter claim is ‘meritless’ and so they will seek to have it dismissed.

He said Paul’s claim that his remarks were shielded under New York’s Anti-SLAPP laws – which protect defendants from lawsuits meant to hinder their freedom of speech – “fails for several reasons.”

Salzano added: “Anti-SLAPP laws were primarily enacted to protect against plaintiffs who filed claims seeking to suppress freedom of speech, these statutes were not enacted to protect maliciously false or defamatory statements – which Paul’s remarks clearly constitute.”

Hearn and Paul are set for an awkward reunion next month.

While all this is going on, the pair will meet on fight week ahead of Paul’s clash with Mike Tyson on November 15 as the Taylor vs Serrano rematch is set to take place on the undercard.

Hearn will of course be in attendance to support Taylor, but has made his feelings clear on the main event, declaring that he will walk out as soon as Taylor’s bout is done and won’t be sticking around to watch it.

Paul vs Tyson is set for November 15, and Hearn will be there on fight nightMichelle Farsi/Most Valuable Promotions

“It’s difficult to give a negative opinion, because you become a ‘hater’,” Hearn told talkSPORT.com about Tyson vs Paul.

“But I get asked about it and I’m just giving you my honest opinion. I don’t like it.

“I think it’s a huge shame that someone like Mike Tyson, who is one of the biggest legends of the sport of boxing, comes back 20 years after everybody knew he shouldn’t be boxing anymore.

“He comes back 20 years on at 55 or however old he is.”

At this point Hearn was informed Tyson is in fact 58 years of age.

The promoter reacted: “He’s 58? Jesus Christ, he’s nearly 60.

“Like, you have no respect for the sport of boxing if you put Mike Tyson in a ring at 58 years of age.

“And if he gets hurt, then it’s on those people. I think it’s very sad for the sport of boxing.”

Hearn was then asked if he will indeed attend on fight night.

“Yeah but I’m not staying for that,” he replied.

“I’ll watch Katie Taylor and then I’ll leave. I can’t watch that.”