Paul vs Tyson Fan Speculation Prompts Pushback from Fight Promoters

Fallout from the Paul vs Tyson fight results two weeks ago continues among boxing fans. The 16 minutes of action – or lack of it – has generated endless speculation about the performances of both influencer boxer Jake Paul and veteran heavyweight Boxing Hall of Famer Mike Tyson.

NY Fights readers are aware I predicted the outcome to the letter, and I have the receipts to prove it from the Los Angeles Times. Anyone with a shred of knowledge picked Jake Paul to win, and many of us called it precisely how it went down.

Nevertheless, outraged fans who pushed Tyson as the betting favorite and were shocked by the 58-year-old Tyson’s performance in the ring declare the fight must have been scripted. After all, Tyson is also in the WWE Hall of Fame too.

The drumbeat got to the point that Paul’s company, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), issued a lengthy statement on Monday brushing back the claims about the fight that refuses to die down.

Statement about Paul vs Tyson by MVP

Mike Tyson looked good against Jake Paul for one round. Then reality set in.

Following is the statement in its entirety.

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.

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.

“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.

“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.” 

Fans Feeling Foolish About Being Fooled

Mike Tyson looked every bit of 58 years old. Photo: Esther Lin, MVP