Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) on Monday debunked claims that the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s November 15 fight against Mike Tyson was rigged. Paul, 27, was unanimously declared the winner after their eight-round bout.
Per ESPN, the hugely-attended fight, which took place in Arlington, Texas, broke the bank as it raked in $18.1 million at the gate. More than 108 million viewers also streamed the live fight on Netflix. But eyebrows were raised over the outcome of the fight because of Tyson’s subpar performance.
MVP, which was founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, however, denied the fight was arranged for the 27-year-old to defeat Tyson, 58. “Both fighters in good faith performed to the best of their abilities with the goal of winning the fight,” MVP said in a statement.
“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 (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations) boxing rules.”
Following the outcome of the event, some social media users questioned the authenticity of the fight and said it was probably scripted. There was also the circulation of a script that was ultimately declared fake. The claims about the fight being rigged further mounted after Paul said he reduced his intensity during the middle rounds instead of going for a knockout, ESPN reported.
“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,” the statement added.
Bidarian in several interviews has also denied the fight was rigged. “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,” Bidarian 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 continues to 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.”
