The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations has officially sanctioned the upcoming professional boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson.
Set to occur on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the fight has garnered significant anticipation.
Nakisa Bidarian, Co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, detailed the extensive process involved in securing the fight’s sanctioning.
“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,” explained Bidarian. He also highlighted MVP’s six-week collaboration with partners and regulatory bodies to meet all requirements for official sanctioning.
The rules for the bout specify it as a heavyweight match lasting a maximum of eight two-minute rounds.
Knockouts are permitted, and fighters will wear 14 oz. gloves without headgear. The results will be recorded on the fighters’ official records, impacting their professional standings.
The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN Pay-Per-View (PPV), featuring another significant match between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
Jake Paul, known for his transition from social media influencer to professional boxer, has participated in several high-profile boxing matches against athletes from diverse backgrounds.
Mike Tyson, renowned as one of boxing’s fiercest competitors, retired in 2005 but has since engaged in exhibition bouts. This matchup offers both fighters a pivotal chance to prove themselves within the sport’s regulated boundaries.
Recent updates to the rules include a modification requested by Tyson for the round duration to be shortened from three minutes to two. This adjustment, intended to accommodate Tyson’s conditioning at 58 years old, aims to increase the fight’s action.
While some have expressed skepticism about the matchup and concerns about Tyson’s ability to compete at his age, Paul has dismissed these doubts, emphasizing Tyson’s prowess as a fighter. The public’s perception varies, with some questioning the fight’s legitimacy and suggesting it may be treated more as an exhibition than a serious contest.
Despite his long hiatus from professional boxing, Tyson remains an iconic figure in the sport, boasting an impressive record of 50 wins with 44 knockouts. In contrast, Paul has made a name for himself in boxing by taking on opponents from various backgrounds, showcasing his versatility and determination in the ring.