Mike Tyson Is Sued in the UK over Gambling Sponsorship

Online casino brand Rabona, through its operator Medier Ltd, is suing Mike Tyson and his company Tyrannic LLC over a deal signed in January 2024. Rabona announced the partnership the following month, promising Tyson-branded bonuses and monthly livestreams on Twitch and Kick.

Medier claims the deal fell apart when Tyson had agreed to fight actor-turned-boxer Jake Paul, reportedly for £15m, in a bout that Netflix says drew around 108 million live viewers worldwide. Medier argued that promotional duties and sponsorship restrictions imposed by Tyson’s Netflix deal might clash with his responsibilities at Rabona, jeopardizing his other business deals.

Apparently, the former heavyweight champion simply lost interest in the Rabona deal and failed to perform agreed live-streaming events, “terminating” the contract without proper notice.

Tyson and Tyrannic deny any breach. Their legal team argues that the proposed production went beyond the agreed promotional activities. The point of contention, they claim, is a proposed livestream called “Talking Pigeons”. The concept reportedly involved Tyson interacting with presenters, including one dressed as a giant pigeon, sharing stories from his childhood and teaching boxing.

Now, Medier is seeking damages for the alleged breach of contract. The deal was worth £1.5m in installment payments, and Tyson had received almost £145,000 by the time it broke down.

The dispute shows the risks of high-profile ambassador deals; the hearing continues.