Boxing chiefs make rule change for Mike Tyson and Jake Paul fight as historic details emerge
Boxing chiefs have altered the rules for Mike Tyson’s upcoming fight with Jake Paul, reports say.
The duo are currently preparing for the seismic showdown, which will take place on November 15 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
It will be Tyson’s first fight since 2020, when he drew with Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition match.
As for Paul, the 27-year-old will be hoping to continue his impressive start to his boxing career – having won 10 of his 11 bouts so far.
Regarding boxing matches in America, most professional bouts require 10-ounce gloves and three-minute rounds for sanctioned pro fights involving male boxers who weigh 147 pounds or more.
Yet the Texas Department of Regulation and Licensing, according to USA Today, has now approved the use of 14-ounce gloves.
This decision was reportedly made at the request of Bryce Holden, promoter for the clash.
Communications Manager for the TDLR, Tela Mange, says the use of 14-ounce gloves for a sanctioned pro fight will be a first for Texas.
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“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.
Mange, when asked why the rules have been altered, added: “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.
“It was already known that the clash would feature two-minute rounds. This was confirmed by Tyson earlier in the year.
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Discussing why he wanted shorter rounds, the 58-year-old said: “I wanted the shorter rounds because I wanted more action.
“If we only have two minutes, we’ll fight more.”
Paul, however, criticised Tyson for wanting the rounds shortened in an interview with the Daily Mail last month.
“It’s interesting, I’m just, I’m just basing s**t off of facts,” he said.
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“He’s like, ‘Watch your shape, watch your shape’. I’m like, ‘Alright, but you watch it’.
“It could be to his advantage. I think it’s also smart that he’s doing that. I’m fighting on all of his rules and what he wanted.
“He wanted it to be a pro fight. He wanted eight, two-minute rounds. So I’m giving him everything he wants.
“I’m going to his playground, and I’m going to beat his a**. I mean, it’s just being alert and knowing what to do in that situation.
“I could definitely see him trying to go for an early KO, but he’ll find out very quickly that I also have a ton of power.
“So doing that with a guy like me isn’t always the smartest thing to do, because I’ll catch one of his shots then counter.”