Jake Paul denies rigging accusations after controversial Tyson fight
- Jake Paul won a unanimous decision against Mike Tyson on November 15, 2023.
- Following the match, accusations arose claiming that the bout was rigged.
- Paul's team strongly denied these allegations, stating both fighters performed to the best of their abilities.
On November 15, 2023, in Arlington, Texas, Jake Paul defeated Mike Tyson by unanimous decision in a boxing match that was met with significant criticism. Following the fight, rumors circulated suggesting that the match was rigged, leading to a strong response from Paul's team, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). They emphasized that rigging a professional boxing match is a federal crime and that both fighters competed earnestly, with no contractual restrictions. MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian defended Paul’s performance as indicative of his capabilities as a serious fighter, and alluded to the absurdity of the rigging claims. The event drew notable attendance but received mixed reviews from spectators, with some believing that the fighters did not deliver their best effort in the ring. NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin mentioned hearing rumors about a contractual clause that limited Tyson's typical fighting strategies. Ultimately, Paul expressed concern for Tyson's safety during the bout and sought to entertain fans without causing harm.