The non-stop bombardment of questionable legitimacy following the initial announcement that Jake Paul would fight Mike Tyson on July 20 left many fight fans wondering.
We were recently blessed with more clarification on the bout, as several of the previously asked questions, specifically those regarding the contest rules and scoring system, have been answered. ESPN and Most Valuable Promotions first announced that the Tyson-Paul Netflix spectacular would be a fully sanctioned heavyweight boxing bout under the Texas Boxing Commission.
Yes it’s a real sanctioned fight with @jakepaul#PaulTyson pic.twitter.com/7HGnyYGlcs
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) April 29, 2024
“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,” MVP said in a statement.
“Over the past six weeks, MVP has worked with its partners to satisfy the requirements of the TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations) to sanction Tyson vs Paul. We are grateful that we have gotten to this point.”
Now that it’s confirmed Paul vs. Tyson isn’t an exhibition bout and that official pro records will be affected, let’s take a closer look and break down the complete ruleset before heading to the boxing betting sites.
Tyson vs. Paul: The Rules
The upcoming Tyson-Paul fight is not just about the clash of personalities. This is a significant departure from the norm in the boxing world. It’s not an exhibition bout; a winner must be declared, and the result will be added to their pro records. However, unlike your typical heavyweight bout, you’ll see two obvious differences.
- Both combatants will wear 14 oz gloves instead of the traditional 12-ouncers.
- The contest will consist of eight two-minute rounds.
“I just wanna make it clear that Mike Tyson was the one who wanted it to be a pro fight…” Jake Paul on @BSJakePaul
–#PaulTyson
Saturday, July 20
AT&T Stadium – Arlington, TX
Live on @netflix(Credit: @betr @BSJakePaul) pic.twitter.com/WCN9sEOnlJ
— Most Valuable Promotions (@MostVpromotions) May 2, 2024
Why Does Paul vs. Tyson Have Shorter Rounds?
The rule changes in the Tyson-Paul fight, such as the shorter round time limits and the lower eight-round duration, undoubtedly favor both fighters. This is particularly significant for Paul, who has zero experience competing in full-length heavyweight contests of ten rounds and 3-minutes per round. For Tyson, who will be 58 years old by the time of the fight, these changes could be a game-changer for his durability and cardio.
By the time July 20 arrives, ‘Iron Mike’ will have turned 58 years old. Nobody doubts his physical fitness, but his durability and cardio will be heavily assisted with shorter and fewer overall rounds.
Jake Paul Vs Mike Tyson training pic.twitter.com/sWCxfsHAm5
— Out of Context Human Race (@NoContextHumans) April 15, 2024
Why Are Paul and Tyson Using Larger Gloves?
While most onlookers will not see much difference between 14-ounce and 12-ounce gloves, there is actually a significant disparity. The extra layer of padding will deliver softer blows to each man’s cranium, and again, both men will benefit. Headguards could’ve been the answer, but in front of Netflix households worldwide, extra-padded gloves pass the eye test and won’t receive as much criticism while seeming more legitimate than headgear.
Tyson will be the heaviest hitter Paul has ever faced, so he probably didn’t have to think twice about signing off on larger gloves. In contrast, Tyson doesn’t know how his 58-year-old equilibrium will hold up against a young buck like “The Problem Child. While in-ring experience isn’t comparable, Paul has knocked out multiple opponents, so that extra cushioning may give Tyson peace of mind.
Is Paul vs. Tyson a Professional Bout?
Technically, yes. The introduction of having this contest reflect each fighter’s professional record says so, and honestly, it’s a nice touch. However, the time limit, number of rounds and 14 oz gloves disempower the “professional” aspect.
That said, only the most discerning of boxing connoisseurs will see past the smoke and mirrors. Ultimately, the rules and regulations surrounding the contest won’t dampen the excitement. We will tune in to Netflix on July 20 to witness two incredibly famous celebrities engage in a thrilling bout with an age gap that could place them as Grandad and Grandson. It’s for the culture; it’s for the festivities, so let’s not expect an elite-level contest, but let’s enjoy the hostilities, my friends.
