Jake Paul’s promotions firm has labelled hypothesis that his win by unanimous resolution 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 world sporting occasion in historical past, insisted in a press release launched on Monday that they complied with all applicable laws for a match that was sanctioned by the Texas Division of Licensing and Rules (TDLR).
“Each fighters in good religion carried out to one of the best of their talents with the aim of successful the battle,” MVP’s assertion mentioned.
“There have been completely no restrictions – contractual or in any other case – round both fighter. Every boxer was ready to make use of his full arsenal to win the battle. Any settlement on the contrary would violate TDLR boxing guidelines.”
Nonetheless, response to the battle got here with questions on its authenticity from massive 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 imagine it was scripted and I imagine that Tyson was actually held again. Look, I am a fighter and I can see it.
“It goes on their document and it was sanctioned. Jake Paul paid to get the W on his document! For what? On your personal private 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, positively. Positively a bit,” he advised reporters. “I needed to present the followers a present, however I did not wish to damage somebody that did not should be damage.”
MVP mentioned it was “illogical and inane” to counsel the corporate would danger a brand new and doubtlessly profitable partnership with Netflix by breaking the foundations.
The assertion added: “Trash speak and hypothesis are widespread in sports activities, and athletes and promoters have to tolerate nonsensical commentary, jokes and opinions. However suggesting something apart from full effort from these fighters isn’t solely naive however an insult to the work they put into their craft and to the game itself.”