Lena Ayad has officially backed out of fighting FunkyFrogBait in Creator Clash 3. The announcement came on the H3 Podcast, where her husband, AB (Starkilla), offered insight into the decision. This news has sparked a stir in the online creative community, as Creator Clash 3 is preparing to launch with a line-up including names like Ali Spagnola and Jaelaray. Lena's departure has raised concerns over the event's management and treatment of participants. Previously, Harley Morenstein also announced he won't be fighting in the Creator Clash 3 event.
Lena's withdrawal comes after weeks of behind-the-scenes controversy, mainly centered on the Content Cop video released by iDubbbz, which targets individuals closely connected to Lena's workplace.
According to AB, neither Lena nor H3 were warned about the video's release, putting her in a challenging situation. This situation was further complicated by the stress of continuing training and a contract clause that required fighters to publicly promote the event, which Lena didn't feel comfortable with. Due to this, her mental focus weakened, raising concerns about her safety in the ring.
AB clarified that Lena wasn't dropped from the card; instead, she and FunkyFrogBait mutually agreed it'll be best for her to step back. He noted that continuing wouldn't have been fair to either competitor, especially in a sport where mental clarity is essential for safety.
Lena and AB invested over $12,000 in training, and Creator Clash organizers didn't offer any reimbursement. Ethan Klein, co-host of the H3 podcast, committed to covering their losses out of pocket, criticizing the event's lack of support for its creators. The hosts also criticized the inconsistency in payments, noting that Harley Morenstein received an upfront fee, while others, including Lena, didn't. Ethan and AB both characterized the event as "incompletely run" and accused Ian (iDubbbz) and Anisa of mishandling key aspects of the promotion.
The fallout from Lena Ayad's departure from Creator Clash has tarnished the event's reputation. The chaotic buildup, highlighted with internet drama and a lack of institutional support, has prompted broad questions about the ethics and competence of influencer-led charity boxing.
As the community continues to discuss the consequences, Lena's decision is being interpreted as a stand for personal well-being and a reflection of bigger flaws in the event's infrastructure.