Mike Tyson v Jake Paul sanctioned as professional boxing match - and rules announced

30 April 2024, 07:04 | Updated: 30 April 2024, 14:44

Mike Tyson's fight with Jake Paul has been sanctioned as a professional boxing match by Texas authorities.

It means it will appear on their official record but will be shorter than most pro fights, taking place over eight two-minute rounds.

The gloves will also be more padded at 14oz, rather than the 10oz normally used.

There had been speculation over the rules of the fight, and whether it would just be an exhibition match, given the age gap between 57-year-old Tyson and Paul, 27.

Some have also raised health concerns, with worries Tyson's punching power could seriously injure his less experienced opponent.

Training videos have shown the US fighter pounding the punch bag with his trademark ferocity.

However, others have questioned his fitness and believe Tyson could be hurt given the exertions of fighting a much younger man.

The fight was announced last month and takes place on 20 July in Arlington. Netflix is streaming it live.

Promoters had been working with the Texas licensing authorities to get it signed off as an official match.

Read more:
Jake Paul v Mike Tyson - All you need to know

YouTuber Jake Paul made his pro debut in 2020 and has beaten former UFC champions Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz under boxing rules, among others.

His one loss came against England's Tommy Fury in February 2023.

Tyson, meanwhile, is a boxing legend and became the youngest-ever heavyweight champion at age 20, back in 1986.

His last professional fight was a defeat in 2005, but he fought an exhibition against fellow legend Roy Jones Jr in 2020, with the bout ending up a draw.

(c) Sky News 2024: Mike Tyson v Jake Paul sanctioned as professional boxing match - and rules announced