Reports suggest that the organizers behind the highly anticipated boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul are advocating for it to be sanctioned as a professional contest.
Just last week, Paul, aged 27, stirred controversy by announcing a live Netflix fight against Tyson, aged 57, scheduled for July 20.
The prospect of ‘Iron Mike’ squaring off against a fighter three decades his junior raised eyebrows, especially after recent footage surfaced showing Tyson relying on a walking stick.
The clash pits Tyson against Paul, a YouTuber who has been carving out a professional boxing career.
Paul boasts an impressive record, with nine victories in ten fights, including notable knockouts against former UFC stars Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren.
Concerns have been voiced within the sport regarding the matchup’s fairness, given Tyson’s age and Paul’s relative inexperience coupled with his aggressive style.
Ariel Helwani says based on the conversations he's had,
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) March 11, 2024
– They want Tyson/Paul to be a pro bout, but that's up to the commission.
– It will be a heavyweight bout.
– Rounds still to be decided.
– There will be no head gear.#TheMMAHour pic.twitter.com/cpcEO1o57Y
Tyson, who will turn 58 before the bout, may find himself in a professional contest against Paul, according to combat-sports journalist Ariel Helwani. Discussions are ongoing, with the Texas Commission having the final say on whether it will be classified as a professional fight or an exhibition. Details such as weight class and number of rounds are still being ironed out.
Contrary to rumors, the organizers reportedly intend for the fight to emulate a standard professional encounter, unlike a sparring-style bout with headgear and 18oz gloves, as suggested by former British heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora and subsequently dismissed by Helwani.
For Tyson, this would mark his return to professional boxing after 19 years, following his last fight against Kevin McBride in 2005, where he suffered a stoppage defeat. Since then, Tyson has participated only in exhibition matches, with his most recent bout against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020.
Eddie Hearn, a prominent figure in boxing promotion, expressed mixed feelings about Tyson’s return to the ring, describing it as both sad and entertaining. While acknowledging the public’s interest in the event, Hearn admitted that it was not his cup of tea personally.