It flew under the radar a bit, but just over a week ago, Jake Paul scored a vicious early knockout over unknown professional boxer Andre August, inside Caribe Royal Orlando in Orlando, Fla. (watch highlights). “The Problem Child” has now won two in a row since his split-decision loss to Tommy Fury, and he’s already looking to make a quick return to action on March 2 in Puerto Rico against a yet-to-be-announced opponent.
The unheralded event is now starting to get receive some extra attention, though it’s not likely the kind DAZN and the MVP Promotion were chasing. According to a report from TheSportsDaily, large wagers on the undercard match up between undefeated Yoenis Tellez (7-0) and Livan Navarro (15-2) have prompted a betting investigation.
Tellez has a habit of finishing opponents quickly, and a heavy connection in the third round nearly ended the contest. Tellez saw the bell, however, and he was ultimately able to survive until the tenth round, when a nasty left hook put Navarro fully unconscious and through the ropes.
Boxing footage of Yoenis Tellez knocking out Livan Navarro?? pic.twitter.com/TQdHmnXFyB
— IFN (@IfnBoxing) December 16, 2023
Hopefully, the clip above makes it clear that this was no fake knockout. However, this was the longest fight in Tellez’s young career, which happens to coincide with a large number of six-figure bets placed on over 5.5 rounds prop bets. Thus, there’s speculation and investigation regarding potential fight-fixing.
Betting watchdog U.S. Integrity was informed of the suspicious gambling and is leading the investigation. Though still unconfirmed, it’s believed that one of the corner men involved in the fight placed a six-figure bet on the outcome. At the time of writing, there has yet to be an official confirmation of these potential violations, and no consequences have been handed out.
As James Krause found out, however, those consequences can be severe.