Wild claims of 'agreement' between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson ahead of fight in Texas
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn says he's heard rumours there is an "agreement" between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson before they enter the ring on Saturday, amid unsubstantiated claims Jake Paul is "fixed" in favour of the YouTuber.
With a crowd of at least 60,000 expected to attend the event in what will be Tyson's first sanctioned professional fight in almost 20 years, Hearn and former British world champion Carl Froch have suggested details in the fight contract will decide how the bout plays out rather than a spontaneous twist.
Earlier in the week, former super-middleweight world champion Froch, who has been a vocal critic of Paul, said the fight is "fixed" in favour of the younger fighter.
READ MORE: Socceroos rue missed chances in frustrating draw
IN PICTURES: Sad $683m fall before icon Mike Tyson got off the canvas
READ MORE: Addo-Carr closes in on NRL lifeline after Dogs sacking
"It's an exhibition fight. I don't think it should be happening because Tyson is too old. I don't think it proves anything when Jake Paul beats him.
"I've heard and believe that there is something in the contract which means Tyson can't even try and hurt him.
"I'm sure if Tyson did land a big left or right hook on the chin of Jake Paul, then he could render him unconscious," Froch added. "That's the only chance he would have, if he could land a big shot on his chin.
ULTIMATE GUIDE: How to watch Paul v Tyson and what they will earn
"I can't really see that happening, though. In my view it's all fixed in advance for Paul and Tyson won't have the opportunity to do that."
Hearn, who has also been heavily critical of the event, said he won't watch it and had heard talk of an "agreement" between both parties ahead of the fight.
"They don't like the fact that I've been critical about the fight," Hearn told the PBD Podcast.
"I'm honest. I'm not going to brown-nose anyone, I'm going to give it to you straight. I don't like it – I'm a boxing purist. Boxing is a massive part of my life and I don't want to see a 58-year-old Mike Tyson fight.
"It's dangerous and people talk about 'there could be some agreement between them that this will happen, that will happen'.
"Now you've got 14-ounce gloves, two-minute rounds… I don't know. I don't want to see Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson at 58.
"But many will, and I get it."
