The Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson event was a global success, registering 108 million viewers worldwide. However, many were dissatisfied with the unfortunate action between the two headliners, Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, attracting criticism and speculation about the main event.
Most Valuable Promotions released the following statement addressing the criticism and speculation:
Following the widespread circulation of incorrect and baseless claims undermining the integrity of the Paul vs. Tyson event, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) would like to set the record straight regarding the contractual agreement and nature of the fight.
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, did the best of their abilities with the goal of winning the fight. There were absolutely no restrictions – contractual or otherwise – around the two fighters. Each boxer was able to use his entire 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 comments, jokes and opinions. But to suggest anything other than full effort from these fighters is not only naive, but an insult to the work they put into their craft and the sport itself.
It’s also illogical and inane that MVP, in the debut of a hoped-for long-term partnership with the world’s biggest streamer — an organization that made its first foray into live professional sports with Paul vs. such a perverse violation of competition rules.
“This is not the first time that Jake Paul has faced unfounded skepticism or outright disbelief as a professional athlete, and frankly, the claim that his match must have been rigged is just the latest backhanded compliment to come in the his way,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co. -Founder of Most Valuable Promotions. “From the first day in this sport, people doubted his abilities – unable to reconcile how someone with his background achieved so much in such a short time. Jake not only tried repeatedly, but continuously set historical records that speak for them. This event, which has broken attendance and spectator milestones for a professional sports event, is another example of his ability to bring on the biggest stage exceed expectations, there will always be those who try to discredit his achievements. We embrace the doubt, it only drives Jake to work harder and achieve greater success.”
