Jake Paul’s promotion company has called speculation that his unanimous decision win over Mike Tyson was rigged as “untrue and baseless”.
In a controversial fight on November 15, the YouTuber defeated the 58-year-old former undisputed world champion in eight two-minute rounds in favor of the 27-year-old.
Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, which partnered with Netflix for the most-streamed global sports event in history, claimed in a statement on Monday that they are in compliance with all relevant regulations for the game licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR ).
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Sky Sports’ Andy Scott gives his thoughts on the Tyson-Paul fight
“Both fighters performed in good faith to the best of their ability to win the fight,” MVP said in a statement.
“There were absolutely no restrictions, contractual or otherwise. Each fighter was able to use their entire arsenal to win the fight. Any agreement to the contrary would violate TDLR boxing rules.”
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Speaking on the Toe2Toe podcast, Vidal Riley, Anthony Crolla and Gary Logan discuss whether Paul’s clash with Tyson was good or bad for boxing.
However, the fight was met with questions about its authenticity from big names in the sport, including Hall of Famer Oscar de la Hoya, who posted on social media:
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Sky Sports’ Andy Scott gives his thoughts on the Tyson-Paul fight
“I believe it’s scripted and I believe Tyson is certainly behind. Look, I’m a fighter and I can see that.
“It goes on their record and it’s allowed. Jake Paul paid to get the W on his record. For what, your personal satisfaction?”
“I keep telling you, if you want to be a real fighter, like you say you want to be, what do you do? Who’s next, Joe Biden? You have to fight real fighters.”
Paul himself fueled some rumors when he was asked in the post-match press conference if he took his foot off the gas in Round 3.
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Paul admitted that he did not want to hurt Tyson after defeating the former world heavyweight champion by unanimous decision.
“Yes, definitely, definitely a little,” he told reporters. “I wanted to give the fans a show, but I didn’t want to hurt someone who shouldn’t be hurt.”
MVP said it was “illogical and nonsensical” to suggest the company would risk a new and potentially lucrative partnership with Netflix by breaking the rules.
“Trash talk and speculation are commonplace in sports and athletes and promoters have to put up with ridiculous comments, jokes and opinions. But for these fighters to suggest anything else is not only naive, it’s an insult to their craft and the sport itself.” :
