Jake Paul and Mike Tyson have confirmed the ruleset for their highly-anticipated boxing match this summer in Texas.
Netflix will make their debut as a boxing broadcaster on July 20 when they put on Paul vs Tyson at the 105,000-capacity AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The fight has proven divisive with fans, particularly due to ‘Iron Mike’ competing at age 58 against a man 31 years his junior.
But with over 108,000 fans already registered for pre-sale tickets, it is expected to be one of the biggest fights of not just 2024, but recent boxing history. Paul is 9-1 as a professional, while Tyson is 50-6 and a former undisputed heavyweight champion.
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So far, just two bouts have been confirmed for the massive event, which will be free to Netflix subscribers around the world. And they have garnered even more international attention by adding the undisputed super-lightweight world title clash between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.
The pair competed in April 2022 for Taylor’s lightweight belts, filling up Madison Square Garden in the process. That night, Taylor edged out a split decision over Serrano, with many clamouring for a rematch in 2023.
However, Serrano was injured during her coronation as undisputed featherweight champion against Erica Cruz and their planned Dublin rematch was replaced. Taylor lost the new fight with Chantelle Cameron, and went on to rematch the Brit and win the super-lightweight belts.
Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson ruleset confirmed as fight is made professional
Today, Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix have confirmed that the Paul vs Tyson fight is set to be contested as a professional fight which will appear on both men’s records. They will compete over eight rounds of two minutes while wearing 14oz gloves.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations will sanction the fight, which has a slightly altered ruleset to the standard professional bout. Usually it would take place over a determined amount of three-minute rounds with 10oz gloves, but slight alterations have been made.
“Mike Tyson and Jake Paul signed on to fight each other with the desire to do so in a sanctioned professional fight that would have a definitive outcome,” Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said in a statement today.
“Over the past six weeks MVP has worked with its partners to satisfy the requirements of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) to sanction Paul Vs Tyson and we are grateful that we have gotten to this point.”
Fans react to Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson rules announcement
Paul took to social media to confirm the news, which was first reported by ESPN. And he predictably received a number of negative replies from those who feel that Tyson’s advanced age makes the bout a crude spectacle.
One wrote that it was a “rare L” for Paul due to Tyson turning 58 before the fight takes place. Another commenter added: “I seriously hope you don’t brag about winning this. Cause if you do you should be ashamed.”
However, surprisingly, not all comments were negative. Quite a few fans expressed their excitement for Paul’s biggest fight to date, with one writing: “This is going to be one of the best fights in years.” Another wrote: “Fair play. People can make jokes about Mike’s age, but at the end of the day he’s still Mike Tyson. Should be interesting and entertaining.”