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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Matt Verri

Jake Paul's promotion respond to claims of rigged fight against Mike Tyson

Jake Paul’s company Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) has dismissed claims his fight with Mike Tyson was rigged, labelling those accusations an “insult” to both men.

Paul eased to an uneventful points win over 58-year-old Tyson earlier this month, in what was a professionally sanctioned bout despite the former heavyweight champion’s age and health issues in the months leading up to the event.

Speaking in the ring after his win, Paul admitted that he eased off for much of the bout after it became clear Tyson had little to offer in his first professional bout in 19 years.

Those comments, along with the general lack of action during the eight rounds, have led to suggestions that the fight was scripted for Paul to win.

However, MVP has now responded to that, reiterating in a statement that this was a legitimate bout.

“MVP would like to set the record straight regarding the contractual agreements and the nature of the fight,” the statement read. “Rigging a professional boxing match is a federal crime in the United States of America. Paul vs Tyson was a professional match sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR).

Jake Paul went the full eight rounds with Mike Tyson (Getty Images for Netflix © 2024)

“Both fighters in good faith performed to the best of their abilities with the goal of winning the fight. There were absolutely no restrictions – contractual or otherwise – around either fighter. Each boxer was able to use his full arsenal to win the fight. Any agreement to the contrary would violate TDLR boxing rules.”

Netflix said the event drew a worldwide audience of 108 million, with ticket revenue alone topping $18m.

MVP continued: “Trash talk and speculation are common in sports, and athletes and promoters need to tolerate nonsensical commentary, jokes and opinions. But suggesting anything other than full effort from these fighters is not only naive but an insult to the work they put into their craft and to the sport itself.

“It is further illogical and inane that MVP, in the debut of a hopeful long-term partnership with the world’s biggest streamer –an organization that made its first-ever foray into live professional sports with Paul vs Tyson –would even so much as consider such a perverse violation of the rules of competition.”

Paul now has a professional record of 11-1, with his sole defeat coming against Tommy Fury in a high-profile bout at the start of last year.

Fury has suggested a rematch between the pair is “inevitable”, while world champions Daniel Dubois and Artur Beterbiev are among those to have called out Paul since his win over Tyson.

Paul’s business partner Nakisa Bidarian pointed to the success the 27-year-old has had in the ring from a commercial perspective, believing accusations against him should be viewed as a “backhanded compliment”.

MVP has slammed accusations that the bout was rigged (Getty Images for Netflix © 2024)

“This is not the first time Jake Paul has faced unfounded skepticism or outright disbelief as a professional athlete, and frankly, the claim that his bout must have been rigged is just the latest backhanded compliment to come his way,” he said.

“From day one in this sport, people have doubted his abilities – unable to reconcile how someone with his background has accomplished so much in such a short time.

“Jake has not only proven himself repeatedly, but he has continuously set historic records that speak for themselves. This event, which broke attendance and viewership milestones for a professional sporting event, is yet another example of his ability to deliver on the biggest stage.

“As long as Jake continues to exceed expectations, there will always be those who try to discredit his achievements. We embrace the doubt – it only fuels Jake to work harder and achieve greater success.”

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