As shocking as it may be, Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul is not an exhibition. The pair throw down at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on November 15 in a fully sanctioned eight-round fight that will be included on both men's professional boxing records.
LIVE: Follow Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson updates from Netflix fight
Tyson, a former two-time heavyweight champion and the youngest fighter ever to hold the crown, turned 58 years old in June. Who would grant Mike Tyson a professional boxing license? Well, look no further than the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.
Before the original July 20 date, Tyson took to his official Instagram account to let fans know that his battle with Paul will indeed be an authentic fight with no punches pulled. “Yes it’s a real sanctioned fight with @JakePaul” was the short and sweet message. Nothing has changed.
MORE: Mike Tyson's best knockouts, ranked
Paul (10-1, 7 KOs) is an improving novice pro with no wins of significance. In his four-year career, he’s defeated a hoard of MMA stars and journeyman boxers, while utilizing his immense social media presence to stay relevant. His one setback came against Tommy Fury in February 2023.
The Sporting News looks into what we know so far about Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson.
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Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight rules
- 8 rounds
- 2 minutes per round
- 14-ounce gloves
The Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight will be contested over eight two-minute rounds. This is unique for male fighters, who normally fight 10 three-minute rounds.
It’s highly likely that Tyson, given his advancing years, requested shorter rounds. Paul has been competing in three-minute rounds since turning professional.
In addition to the fight's shorter length, Paul and Tyson will be wearing 14-ounce gloves instead of the 10-ounce gloves typically worn during championship bouts. The heavier gloves are designed to limit the force of Paul and Tyson's punches, and fatigue can set in more quickly for fighters wearing larger gloves.
MORE: Mike Tyson slaps Jake Paul during weigh-in, causing chaos ahead of Netflix fight
Is Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson an exhibition fight?
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson is officially sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations, which has been somewhat controversial in boxing circles given Paul is 31 years younger than the 58-year-old Tyson.
Unlike Tyson's last fight in 2020, an exhibition draw against Roy Jones Jr., this time there are no restrictions, such as the so-called "no-knockout clause." The fight result will count on the official record for Paul and Tyson.
How does scoring work for Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson?
The winner of Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson will be determined by three judges, should it not first end in a knockout.
The fight follows boxing's typical 10-point scoring system, meaning each round will be scored 10-10 (a split), 10-9 or 10-8 (in the event of a knockdown). Points might also be deducted by the referee if a fighter commits a foul.
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When was Mike Tyson's last fight?
Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) retired in June 2005 following a humiliating sixth-round stoppage loss to Ireland’s Kevin McBride. The Brooklyn native went 1-3 in his last four fights.
The ex-champ was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.
In 2020, Tyson did take part in a money-spinning exhibition bout with fellow ring legend Roy Jones Jr. That bout ended in a split decision draw and neither fighter suffered any damage.
