Jake Paul’s promotional company has stepped forward to squash rumors that his fight with Mike Tyson was rigged.
The YouTube sensation emerged victorious over the 58-year-old boxing icon in Dallas after an eight-round match where Tyson seemed reluctant to unleash his full power. Paul later confessed to taking it easy on the former heavyweight champ, stating he didn’t want to cause harm.
Post-fight, the internet has been awash with speculation, including comments from NFL star Michael Irvin on The Herd podcast, who questioned why Tyson refrained from his signature moves. “I was looking for that patent ‘one in the body, one on the uppercut,’” Irvin remarked.
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“When he hits that it’s boom boom, boom. I want to see that, but we didn’t get that, not a one. And I saw someone else say that it was in the contract – ‘no uppercuts’. They had it in the contract. Come on guys, why wouldn’t Mike Tyson throw an uppercut?”
Most Valuable Promotions released a statement on Monday to clear the air. “Following the wide circulation of incorrect and baseless claims that undermine the integrity of the Paul vs. Tyson event, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) would like to set the record straight regarding the contractual agreements and the nature of the fight,” it 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). Both fighters in good faith performed to the best of their abilities with the goal of winning the fight.
Paul defeated Tyson by unanimous decision (
Al Bello/Getty Images for Netflix © 2024)
“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.
“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 naïve 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.”
MVP’s co-founder Nakisa Bidarian added: “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. 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.”
