The Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson event was a global success, registering 108 million viewers worldwide. However, many were unhappy with the underwhelming performance between the two headliners, Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, which drew criticism and speculation about the main event.
Most Valuable Promotions released the following statement addressing the criticism and speculation:
Following the wide spread of incorrect and unfounded 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.
Fixing 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 performed in good faith to the best of their ability with the goal of winning the fight. There were absolutely no restrictions – contractual or otherwise – around any fighter. Each boxer could 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 must 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 do in their craft and to the sport itself.
It’s further illogical and insane that MVP, in the debut of a hopeful long-term partnership with the world’s biggest streamer — an organization making its first-ever foray into live professional sports with Paul vs. Tyson made – even as much as would consider such a perverse violation of the competition rules.
“This isn’t the first time Jake Paul has faced unfounded skepticism or outright disbelief as a professional athlete, and frankly, the allegation that his game must have been rigged is just the latest compliment to come his way ,” says 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 achieved so much in such a short time. Jake has not only proven himself repeatedly, but he has continually set historical records that speak for themselves. This event, which broke attendance and viewership milestones for a professional sporting event, is another example of his ability to perform 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 spurs Jake to work harder and achieve greater success.”
