Most Valuable Promotions have slammed suggestions that Jake Paul v Mike Tyson was rigged.
(Image: Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Jake Paul v Mike Tyson promoter hits back at fight-rigging claims in strong statement

25 Nov 2024, 20:13 by Stephen Killen · Manchester Evening News

The promoter behind the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson super-fight has launched a staunch defence against allegations that the fight was rigged.

Paul beat the former world heavyweight champion by unanimous decision in an eight-round exhibition fight. It moved the YouTuber-turned-boxer onto 11 wins and one defeat, coming against Tommy Fury in 2023.

The event, held in Texas, was record-breaking becoming the biggest boxing gate outside of Las Vegas in US history - surpassing $18million. However, in light of Paul's win, there have been rumours circulating on social media suggesting that the bout was fixed to help the 27-year-old.

However, Nakisa Bidarian - co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions - has slammed the rumours and suggestion that Paul won the fight with restrictions.

"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," the statement began.

"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. 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."

The statement continued: "This is not the first time Jake Paul has faced unfounded scepticism 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.

"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."