We got a one-of-a-kind showdown going down in November! It will be the legendary Mike Tyson taking on the controversial sensation himself, Jake Paul. Now, this isn’t your regular run-of-the-mill fight. It’s shaping up to be something truly unique.
First off, let’s talk about Mike Tyson. This man is an absolute beast, a true icon in the ring. He’s got the power, the experience, and the ferocity that can intimidate anyone. Who could forget those devastating knockout punches he used to dish out in his prime? Iron Mike isn’t someone you mess with, no matter who you are.
And then we got Jake Paul, the YouTube sensation turned boxer. Now, say what you want about Jake, but the guy’s got some skills. He might come off as brash but don’t sleep on him.
The time is almost here and the rules have been set!
At the request of Bryce Holden, promoter for the bout, the TDLR approved the use of 14-ounce gloves and two-minute rounds for the Nov. 15 fight to be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The use of 14-ounce gloves for a sanctioned pro fight will be a first in Texas, according to Tela Mange, Communications Manager for the TDLR. Two-minute rounds for fights involving male boxers also are rare in Texas, according to Mange.
“We’ve had a couple of men’s bouts that were professional debuts that were two-minute rounds, but it’s been awhile and I haven’t been able to figure out who those were,’’ she said.
When asked why the TDLR made exceptions for the Tyson-Paul fight, Mange responded, “…if two contestants request terms that do not represent a safety issue, and are not in violation of statute and/or rules, then we can agree to regulate the event and ensure those terms are enforced. Having heavier gloves and shorter rounds does not make the event more dangerous for either competitor.’’
Two-minute rounds: Tyson has said he wanted two-minute rounds to create more action. That answer seems true but incomplete.
Reducing the standard rounds by a minute will allow Tyson to expend less energy and, presumably, leave more available to attack Paul. But in that same way, the two-minute rounds likely will serve Paul, allowing him to reduce the fear of fatigue.
Paul has asked Tyson if he’d be willing to fight 10, three-minute rounds – rules in line with a traditional, non-title fight. Tyson has declined.
Tyson’s exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020 was scheduled for eight, two-minute rounds. Scored unofficially, the fight went the distance and ended in a draw.
The 14-ounce gloves: Paul is expected to benefit from the heavier gloves because the padding could reduce the force of Tyson’s punches. Though it’s unclear if Tyson has the quickness and mobility needed to win the fight, video clips of his training show he still has power. However, Tyson might benefit from the 14-ounce gloves too. Paul also has shown impressive power while scoring seven knockouts in his 11 fights.
Size of the boxing ring: The ring must measure no less than 16 by 16 feet and no less than 24 by 24, according to TDLR rules. Within that range, the size of the ring is up to the promoter. Holden, who works for Most Valuable Promotions, co-founded by Paul, did not return messages USA TODAY Sports left by voicemail and text message.
Tyson has said he expects to have to chase down Paul, so he likely wants a smaller ring to cut down on the chasing.
So mark your calendars, folks, because this unique showdown between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul in November is going to be one for the books. Who’s going to come out on top? Will the legend reign supreme or will the up-and-comer take the crown? We’re just going to have to wait and see, but one thing is for sure, it’s going be a fight you can’t miss!
