Nearly twelve months following the controversial bout between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, the boxing legend's manager has forcefully rejected persistent allegations of match manipulation.
Amer Abdallah addressed ongoing speculation in an interview with The Sun Sport, dismissing theories that have circulated on social media since the November 2024 contest.
The fight at AT&T Stadium saw the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion lose by unanimous decision to the YouTube personality turned boxer.
Social media platforms were subsequently flooded with accusations of a "fixed show" designed to favour Paul, prompting Abdallah to break his silence on the matter.
Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson on points in November 2024 in a drab affair
|GETTY
Abdallah revealed that Tyson maintained a rigorous training schedule, working "five or six days a week" alongside a professional team.
When questioned about potential arrangements, he stated unequivocally: "They always say to me, 'Was there a deal? Was there something?' And I'll tell you the answer is absolutely no."
The manager expressed pride in his fighter's dedication, declaring: "I know it sounds like a cliche, but I'm proud of a 58-year-old man who came in and did things that 20-year-olds couldn't do. Mike gave his best every day in the gym."
These comments directly challenge widespread assumptions about the bout's authenticity.
The eight-round contest concluded with judges scoring 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73 in Paul's favour.
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Mike Tyson landed just 18 punches on Jake Paul throughout the contest | REUTERS
Despite Tyson's resilience throughout the match, spectators expressed disappointment at the lacklustre exchange between the fighters.
The bout failed to deliver the explosive action many anticipated, with Tyson struggling to connect meaningful strikes in the opening rounds.
Paul demonstrated superior mobility and pace, maintaining control whilst the veteran boxer showed his age against the younger opponent.
Both competitors displayed mutual respect following the final bell, exchanging cordial words.
However, this sportsmanship did little to quell fan frustration over what many perceived as a media-focused spectacle rather than a genuine boxing contest.
Despite the controversy surrounding their bout, both fighters have secured future opportunities in the ring.
Tyson's team has confirmed advanced negotiations for a potential exhibition match against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2026, though no official agreement has been reached.
Jake Paul defeated Mike Tyson in November last year in a farcical event | ReuterPaul has already scheduled his next appearance, facing Gervonta Davis in an exhibition contest on 14 November in Miami.
The bout will span ten rounds at a 195-pound weight limit, with Paul announcing a million-dollar knockout bonus.
The matchup has sparked fresh controversy due to the significant weight disparity between the competitors, continuing the debate about celebrity boxing events.