There have been plenty of question marks since the announcement of Mike Tyson and Jake Paul’s heavyweight bout this summer, none bigger than what rules the fight would be contested under.
Given the disparity in age between the two fighters, it was unknown whether or not the fight would be sanctioned as a professional bout rather than an exhibition. Tyson’s most recent fight against Roy Jones Jr. was an exhibition.
We now know the fight has been officially sanctioned as a professional bout by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Here’s a look at the rules and everything you need to know ahead of the highly anticipated heavyweight showdown.
Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul rules and regulations for fight
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), Paul’s promotional company, announced that the bout between Paul and Tyson had been officially sanctioned as a professional bout.
What does this mean exactly?
The first thing we know is the fight will be contested over eight, two-minute rounds. The standard professional men’s boxing match is anywhere from four to 12 rounds, three minutes a piece.
Both Paul and Tyson will be using 14-ounce gloves, slightly heavier and therefore more padded than the gloves typically used in a professional fight.
It’s also been announced that judges will determine a winner at the end of the fight. In Tyson’s exhibition against Jones Jr. there were no official judges providing a score, only celebrity judges.
“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,” Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said. “Over the past six weeks MVP has worked with its partners to satisfy the requirements of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) to sanction Paul vs Tyson and we are grateful that we have reached this point.
“MVP has championed fighter choice since its inception, including advocating for women’s boxing to be contested with two or three minute rounds based on the particular fight matchup. Paul vs Tyson and Taylor vs Serrano 2 will both be contested with 2 minute rounds and each mega -fight will have its winner. Thank you to the TDLR and Holden Boxing for their efforts throughout this process to date and we look forward to working closely with them as we approach fight night.”
More: When is the Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fight? Date, time, rules and location
Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul undercard
There’s also further clarity on the undercard of the Tyson vs. Paul main event.
The co-main event will feature the rematch between undisputed junior welterweight champion Katie Taylor and unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano. Serrano is promoted by Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions.
“Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano are two of the best boxers in the world,” Mike Tyson said in a press release. “I know they can both put on an incredible show, and I’m thrilled to have them join this card. These remarkable athletes will undoubtedly elevate the event with their global appeal and fan bases. Adding one of the greatest fights in women’s boxing history to this unforgettable event is a true gift to fans.”
The rematch comes after Taylor and Serrano squared off in a fight of the year candidate in April 2022 at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. It was the first female combat sports event to headline at MSG.
The fight was for Taylor’s undisputed lightweight crown, which she defended by split decision. The quality of the fight between two female boxers had fans calling for an immediate rematch, but injuries to Serrano and a loss to Taylor ultimately delayed the rematch to this summer.
Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul: Date, location
Mike Tyson will take on Jake Paul on June 29 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The fight will be streamed live on Netflix, free to all subscribers.
AT&T Stadium was home to the record setting unified title fight between Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders, which was contested in front of just over 73,000 fans in 2021, a record for attendance at an indoor US boxing event.
Gives you: June 29
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Harrison Campbell covers boxing for The Tennessean as well as high school sports for The Daily Herald. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @hccampbell7.
