BREAKING NEWS: Stephen A. Smith Drops Bombshell on Jake Paul’s RIGGED Fights | This Changes Everything “HE WASN’T ABLE TO HIT HIM!”
In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the sports world, Stephen A. Smith, the outspoken ESPN analyst, has dropped a bombshell alleging that Jake Paul’s recent boxing victories, including his controversial win over Mike Tyson, were rigged. Speaking live on First Take just moments ago, Smith declared, “He wasn’t able to hit him!”—a pointed critique that has ignited a firestorm of debate, potentially reshaping the credibility of Paul’s meteoric rise in the ring and leaving fans and critics reeling.
Smith, known for his fiery takes, zeroed in on Paul’s unanimous decision victory over Tyson on November 15, 2024, at AT&T Stadium, where the 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer (11-1) outlasted the 58-year-old legend (50-7). The analyst suggested the fight’s outcome was manipulated, pointing to Tyson’s inability to land significant punches despite his storied past. “Mike Tyson, even at his age, should’ve connected—Jake’s defense doesn’t explain that,” Smith argued, hinting at a coordinated effort to protect Paul’s record. This claim echoes earlier skepticism from figures like Sylvester Stallone, who called Tyson’s performance an “Oscar-worthy act,” though no concrete evidence was presented.
The logic behind Smith’s accusation ties to Paul’s unorthodox career path. With wins over aging MMA stars like Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley, and his lone loss to Tommy Fury in 2023, Paul’s record has faced scrutiny for facing opponents past their prime. Smith highlighted Tyson’s pre-fight training footage, where the former heavyweight champ showed flashes of his old power, contrasting sharply with the fight’s tame eight rounds. “This wasn’t a fair fight—it was staged for views,” Smith added, referencing the Netflix stream’s 108 million global viewers, a record for a sporting event.
Paul’s camp, via Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), has fiercely denied the allegations, calling them “illogical and inane” in a statement to ESPN on November 26, 2024. MVP insists the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations sanctioned the bout fairly, with no restrictions on either fighter. Yet, Smith’s comments have fueled a growing narrative on social platforms, where fans debate Tyson’s restrained approach—landing just 18 punches—against Paul’s 78 connects, per CompuBox stats. Posts found on X reflect a split, with some crying “rigged!” while others defend Paul’s skill.
The fallout could be seismic. If Smith’s claims gain traction, the boxing community might demand investigations, potentially involving the FBI, as rigging is a federal crime. Paul’s next fight, rumored for late 2025 against a yet-unnamed opponent, hangs in the balance, with sponsors possibly reconsidering ties. Tyson, who earned $10 million, has remained silent, adding to the mystery. As the sports world digests this bombshell, the truth behind Paul’s wins—and Tyson’s restraint—could redefine boxing’s integrity.
