Jake Paul’s promotions firm has labelled hypothesis that his win by unanimous determination over Mike Tyson was rigged as “incorrect and baseless”.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer defeated the 58-year-old former undisputed world heavyweight champion over the course of eight two-minute rounds within the controversial bout on November 15. The battle was scored 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73 in favour of the 27-year-old.
Paul’s Most Invaluable Promotions, which partnered with Netflix for what was the most-streamed international sporting occasion in historical past, insisted in a press release launched on Monday that they complied with all acceptable laws for a match that was sanctioned by the Texas Division of Licensing and Rules (TDLR).
“Both fighters in good faith performed to the best of their abilities with the goal of winning the fight,” MVP’s assertion stated.
“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.”
Nevertheless, response to the battle got here with questions on its authenticity from large names within the sport, together with Corridor of Famer Oscar de la Hoya, who posted on social media, “All people is speaking about how staged this battle was.
“I do consider it was scripted and I consider that Tyson was actually held again. Look, I am a fighter and I can see it.
“It goes on their record and it was sanctioned. Jake Paul paid to get the W on his record! For what? For your own personal satisfaction?
“I maintain telling you, if you wish to be an actual fighter such as you say you wish to be, what are you doing? Who’s subsequent? Joe Biden? You need to battle actual fighters.”
Paul himself fuelled a few of the rumours when requested within the post-match press convention whether or not he took his foot off the gasoline in spherical three.
“Yeah, definitely. Definitely a bit,” he informed reporters. “I wanted to give the fans a show, but I didn’t want to hurt someone that didn’t need to be hurt.”
MVP stated it was “illogical and inane” to counsel the corporate would threat a brand new and probably profitable partnership with Netflix by breaking the foundations.
The assertion added: “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 naive but an insult to the work they put into their craft and to the sport itself.”