Jake Paul and Mike Tyson’s boxing match on July 20 has been officially sanctioned and will count towards the fighters’ records across eight scheduled two-minute rounds.
There has been familiar confusion over the professional status of rookie pugilist Paul’s latest bout with a retired athlete, but promoters Most Valuable Promotions have confirmed that the bout will be overseen by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.
Social media influencer Paul, 27, will take on 57-year-old former heavyweight champion Tyson under normal boxing rules, although each round will be a minute less than usual.
The fighters will also wear larger gloves weighing 14 ounces and have the result registered on their professional records.
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Paul has won eight of his nine fights, encompassing victories over former MMA competitors including Tyron Woodley, Nate Diaz and Anderson Silva.
The American’s only defeat came against professional boxer Tommy Fury, who is the cousin of current heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
Paul v Tyson: Netflix ‘wanted pro fight’
“Netflix wanted it to be a pro fight,” said Paul, suggesting that the fight broadcaster had partly dictated the nature of the contest. “Mike Tyson wanted it to be a pro fight. So I agreed to make it a pro fight. Winner takes all.”
Tyson shared a fight poster with his millions of Instagram followers, adding of the event at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas: “Yes – it’s a real, sanctioned fight with Jake Paul.”
Mike Tyson wanted it to be a pro fight. Netflix wanted it to be a pro fight. So I agreed to make it a pro fight. Winner takes all pic.twitter.com/fNLnIiD8fM
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) April 29, 2024
The powerhouse was one of the biggest names in world sport in the 1980s, earning a fearsome reputation for brutal knockouts on his way to holding the undisputed world title between 1987 and 1990.
Speaking about the fight when it was announced in March, Tyson said he planned to “finish” the brash YouTuber who is one of the richest newcomers to the sport.
“[Paul has] grown significantly as a boxer over the years,” he said. “It will be a lot of fun to see what the will and ambition of a ‘kid’ can do with the experience and aptitude of a GOAT.
“It’s a full-circle moment that will be beyond thrilling to watch, as I started him on his boxing journey on the undercard of my fight with Roy Jones.”
