Mike Tyson is facing a legal battle in a London court where he is being sued for nearly €1.5 million (approximately NZ$2.7 million) by a Cyprus-based company called Medier. The lawsuit stems from accusations that Tyson broke an agreement to promote Medier’s online gambling brand, Rabona, shortly before announcing his fight with social media influencer Jake Paul.
The claim was filed in October 2023 at the High Court in London, alleging that Tyson terminated the contract in March—coinciding with the announcement of his fight with Paul—because he believed Medier had violated the terms of their agreement. However, Medier’s legal team contends that their actions did not breach the contract, asserting that Tyson’s early cancellation has resulted in significant financial losses for the company, estimated at around €1.46 million.
According to documents released by Medier’s lawyers, Tyson’s abrupt decision to exit the agreement was fundamentally driven by his new deal, reportedly backed by Netflix, to face Paul. As of now, Tyson and his company, Tyrannic, have not filed a defense in response to the lawsuit, and Tyson has not made any public statement regarding the case.
In a recent bout, Tyson, now 58, faced Paul, 27, in Texas, where Paul emerged victorious by unanimous decision, a match that ultimately didn’t meet the high expectations set by fans and analysts.
This lawsuit adds another dimension to Tyson’s already complex life post-retirement. Regardless of the outcome, it highlights the challenges and legal intricacies athletes often face as they navigate sponsorships and promotional deals, especially in the evolving landscape of sports entertainment and social media influence.
The case serves as a reminder that even legends like Tyson can face significant legal hurdles while trying to secure new opportunities—this situation could ultimately lead to greater clarity in contractual obligations within the sports promotion industry.
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