Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions Says Allegations That Mike Tyson Fight Was Rigged Are “Baseless”
Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions would like to make it crystal clear: Paul’s fight with boxing legend Mike Tyson earlier this month was entirely above board.
Paul’s company released a lengthy statement Monday, decrying allegations that the fight was rigged as “incorrect and baseless.”
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MVP also said that it was hoping that the fight could lead to a long-term deal with Netflix, which streamed it globally, and saw enormous viewership.
“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 said.
The bout saw the 27-year old former YouTuber defeat the 58-year old former boxing champion in a unanimous decision. The pugilists completed all eight rounds, sparking some grumbling online that Paul was holding back against Tyson in some way.
MVP noted that the match was sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations, and that rigging a boxing match is a federal crime.
“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,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, in a statement. “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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