Official Statement from Promoters

In an official statement released Monday, the promoter of the highly publicized boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson categorically dismissed claims that the fight was rigged, labeling them “incorrect and baseless … illogical and inane.” This comes in response to widespread speculation that the recent bout, which set streaming records, did not reflect an authentic competition.

The Bout Details

Jake Paul emerged victorious from the fight after eight two-minute rounds, securing a unanimous decision with judges scoring it 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73. The event, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and streamed live on Netflix, attracted an astonishing audience, peaking at 65 million viewers. It also marked a significant financial achievement, as ticket sales totaled over $18 million, making it the highest-grossing U.S. boxing event outside of Las Vegas.

Defending the Fight's Integrity

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), co-founded by Paul, robustly defended the integrity of the fight. In their statement, they emphasized that both fighters performed to the best of their abilities, without any pre-agreed limitations. The promoters also stressed that any arrangement to restrict either fighter would be a direct violation of Texas boxing regulations set forth by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR).

Promoter's Comments

"Trash talk and speculation are part and parcel of sports, yet insinuating any lack of commitment from these athletes is not just naïve—it undermines their hard work and the sport itself," the statement went on to say.

Criticism from Oscar De La Hoya

Despite the promoter's reassurances, the fight was not without its critics. Legendary boxer Oscar De La Hoya voiced his skepticism on social media, suggesting that the contest seemed staged and asserting that Tyson was intentionally underperformed. De La Hoya remarked, “Everyone is talking about how staged this fight was. I believe it was scripted, and I believe that Tyson was certainly held back.”

Jake Paul's Admission

Adding fuel to the fire, Jake Paul's own remarks in the post-fight press conference raised eyebrows. The 27-year-old stated that he had “definitely” eased up during the fight, aiming to entertain fans without inflicting unnecessary harm. This admission only intensified the scrutiny surrounding the matchup.

Support from MVP Co-Founder

MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian came to Paul’s defense, indicating that the boxer has faced skepticism throughout his career and that claims of rigging are merely a reflection of critics' denial about Paul’s legitimate boxing skills. “Skepticism about Jake Paul’s ability is nothing new; claims of rigging are simply the latest baseless skepticism directed at him,” Bidarian stated.

Record-Breaking Event

This bout not only broke streaming and attendance records but also shattered betting records, surpassing all previous events in wagering activity according to ESPN, with platforms such as BetMGM and ESPN BET reporting unprecedented amounts bet on this fight.

Divided Opinions in the Boxing World

As the dust settles on this controversial event, the boxing world remains divided. While promoters defend the fight’s legitimacy, notable figures like De La Hoya continue to raise flags of doubt, ensuring that discussions surrounding this event will persist for some time. What remains clear, however, is that Jake Paul has undoubtedly captured the spotlight in the boxing arena—just as he did on YouTube years prior. Will fans ever fully embrace the authenticity of his career in the ring? Only time will tell.