Jake Paul's boxing promotion company Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) has responded to claims that his fight with Mike Tyson, which aired on Netflix, was 'criminally rigged'.
They said: "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. There were absolutely no restrictions – contractual or otherwise – around either fighter.
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"Each boxer was able to use his full arsenal to win the fight. Any agreement to the contrary would violate TDLR boxing rules."
They went on to say: "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."
Paul beat the 58-year-old Tyson via a Unanimous Decision in an eight round professional fight.
The response to the fight was mixed, with some referring to it as 'elder abuse', and others suggesting that the fight was 'rigged' for Paul to win.
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This is a common criticism levied online at Paul after his fights, in large part due to the storied careers of the older fighters he has faced in his time in the ring.
His wins in the sport include UFC champions Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva, as well as former UFC fighters Nate Diaz, Ben Askren, and Mike Perry.
Despite this, Paul's promotion has denied any suggestions that fights are rigged.
Paul's solitary loss came at the hands of Love Island star Tommy Fury, who was announced last week to be fighting former UFC fighter Darren Till.
Jake Paul's fellow MVP co-founder, Nakisa Bidarian, commented on the accusations of 'rigging' fights last week, saying: "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.
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"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."
Topics: Jake Paul, Mike Tyson, Boxing, Sport
Michael Slavin