Rules have been set for the heavyweight bout between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, with the sanctioned professional bout scheduled for eight rounds and including two-minute rounds and the use of 14-ounce gloves.
This is a sanctioned professional fight, so the results will be reflected in the record. Tyson is 50-6 with 44 KOs, and Paul is 9-1 with 6 KOs.
The rules were proposed by organizer Holden Boxing LLC, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which oversees combat sports in the state. The game is scheduled for July 20th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
TDLR communications manager Tera Manzi told USA TODAY Sports in an email: “Both fighters' camps have agreed to the terms of the match proposed by the promoter, and the terms have been submitted to TDLR for approval.” told USA TODAY Sports via email. He asked the promoter about the reason for the shorter rounds. ”
Bryce Holden, president of Holden Boxing, did not respond to a request for comment.
A standard bout featured three-minute rounds and 10-ounce gloves, and Tyson delivered devastating knockouts during his professional career.
The two-minute round is expected to favor Tyson, as the boxer, who will be 58 years old at the time of the fight, has underlying issues. The 14-ounce gloves are expected to be an advantage for Paul, as heavier gloves can soften the impact of Tyson's punches.
“I think they call it a compromise,” said Azim Spicer, Tyson's brother-in-law who has been involved in business deals with Tyson, adding that Tyson was happy with the rules. .
MVP, co-founded by Paul and the fight's promoter Holden Boxing, revealed the rules for the first time in a press release issued on Monday. TDLR later confirmed the rule to USA TODAY Sports.
Ever since their fight was announced on March 7, there has been speculation as to whether Tyson, 57, and Paul, 27, would meet in an exhibition or professional bout.
“The safety of our contestants competing in the ring and Octagon is always a top concern for TDLR staff,” Manzi told USA TODAY Sports. “This tournament is no exception.”
The fight will be broadcast on Netflix.
