After viewers noticed a moment during the professional heavyweight fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, they were convinced the match was “rigged.”
Paul won the fight by unanimous decision, but after the results were announced, social media users expressed skepticism, with many claiming the outcome was predetermined.
In the opening round, Tyson pinned Paul against the ropes with his left hand but failed to jump on him. Fans speculated that Tyson released Paul, suggesting that the fight was rigged.
Tyson addressed the fight afterward, saying: “Absolutely happy [with the fight]. I knew he was a good fighter. I knew he was prepared. I came to fight. I didn’t prove nothing to anybody, only to myself. I’m just happy what I can do. He’s a very good fighter. Absolutely [he deserves respect].”
Speaking to Ariel Helwani in the ring after his latest victory, the 27-year-old Paul expressed his admiration for Tyson: “First and foremost, Mike Tyson… he’s a legend, he’s the greatest to ever do it. This man is an icon. It’s just an honor to be able to fight him.
“He’s an icon. He’s a legend. I love him. I love his family. It’s just an honor to be in the ring with all of them. I was trying to hurt him a little bit. I did my best.”
This is not the first time Paul has faced accusations of rigged fights during his career. However, there has been no concrete evidence to suggest that any of his matches are fixed.