MVP Promotions' response to Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight-fixing allegations: 'We embrace the doubt'
In the week since the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight on Netflix, skeptics and conspiracy theorists have labeled the event as essentially a fixed fight.
Paul’s MVP Promotions, which put on the show at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium outside Dallas to massive Netflix streaming numbers and live gate, answered back Monday to call the allegations unfounded – and present a logical argument to why such a venture would be financially foolish.
Paul beat Tyson with a unanimous decision on Nov. 16. Tyson is nearly twice Paul’s age. The fight was a professional boxing match licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), though rounds were 2 minutes instead of 3.
Arguably the biggest name to take a shot at the fight was former boxing champion and current promoter Oscar De Lay Hoya, who said the fight was fixed. “I do believe it was scripted,” De La Hoya posted on social media.
Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder with Paul of Most Valuable Promotions, said in a news release that detractors and doubters are trying to take him down because of his quick financial success in boxing, despite his background as a social media influencer.
MVP’s statement said “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.”
MVP’s full statement:
“STATEMENT FROM MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS REGARDING FICTITIOUS CLAIMS THAT UNDERMINE THE INTEGRITY OF THE PAUL VS. TYSON FIGHT
“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.'”
Paul and Tyson’s eight-round fight came in front of an estimated crowd of more than 70,000 people. The event reportedly had approximately 108 million live global viewers on Netflix. It was the world’s leading streamer’s first foray into live sports.
Paul, 27, is 5-0 since his lone pro loss to Tommy Fury in 2023. He’s 11-1 overall in boxing career, but has been criticized for not fighting more dangerous opponents. Tyson, 58, fought professionally for the first time since his loss to Kevin McBride in 2005. He fought Roy Jones Jr. to a draw in 2020 in an exhibition bout.