Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson faces a $1.5 million lawsuit from Cyprus-based company Medier, which claims the 58-year-old wrongfully broke a promotional agreement to pursue a high-profile fight with influencer Jake Paul.
The lawsuit, filed in London’s High Court, alleges that Tyson and his company Tyrannic terminated a January contract with Medier in March, citing a breach by Medier. However, the company claims Tyson’s real motivation was the more lucrative deal to fight Paul in a Netflix-sponsored event.
Key Allegations by Medier:
- Tyson allegedly terminated the contract unlawfully to prioritize the fight with Jake Paul.
- Medier seeks:
- $800,000 in refunded fees for services it claims were never provided.
- $729,000 for “wasted production and promotion costs.”
“The true reason for Mr. Tyson and Tyrannic’s hasty and unlawful termination was because Mr. Tyson had agreed a deal, sponsored by Netflix, to fight the influencer Jake Paul,” the lawsuit states.
Tyson’s Lawyers Respond
Tyson’s legal team disputes the claims, asserting that Medier breached the agreement by failing to obtain Tyson’s approval of promotional materials, a requirement stipulated in their contract. Last month, Tyson faced Jake Paul in a widely publicized eight-round exhibition match at AT&T Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. The event drew a crowd of over 70,000 fans and was streamed live on Netflix.
- Outcome: Paul won via unanimous decision.
- Tyson’s Earnings: Reportedly $20 million.
What’s Next?
The lawsuit highlights the complex contractual and promotional dynamics that accompany high-profile sports events. If Medier successfully proves its claims, Tyson could face significant financial penalties, tarnishing the afterglow of his heavily promoted return to the ring.
This legal battle adds another chapter to Tyson’s storied and often tumultuous career, as the boxing legend navigates the business side of his enduring global brand.
