Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will finally meet in the ring tonight, but due to the circumstances of the fight, it won’t resemble a traditional fight.
The controversial circumstances pit Paul, 27, at the height of his athleticism against Tyson, 58, whose last professional fight was in 2005, when the YouTube sensation turned boxer was just eight years old.
Concerns were raised over the 31-year age difference between the unlikely duo, which was further widened when the fight had to be postponed earlier this year after ‘Iron Mike’ was hospitalized due to a flare-up of a stomach ulcer.
In the lead-up to tonight’s fight, several rules have been changed and approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations to reflect the unique nature of the clash.
Here is a full list of the rules for Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson.
Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul takes place on Friday, November 15
Due to the circumstances of the fight and the huge age difference, the rules have been cautioned
The unique rules set for tonight’s Netflix special are very similar to those for Tyson’s final exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr. four years ago.
This time, however, the fight will rely on both men’s records as it has been sanctioned as an official professional fight.
How many rounds is Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson?
If Tyson or Paul fail to knock each other out, the blockbuster fight will last eight rounds, a departure from the traditional 10 or 12 rounds seen in standard professional fights.
How long is each round?
The duo deviates further from the standard fight format and has agreed to fight eight two-minute rounds instead of the modified three-minute rounds.
Tyson revealed that he requested the shorter rounds before the fight was changed to a professional fight, with both fighters asking for the fight to last longer than eight two-minute rounds while it was cleared as a professional fight.
When asked why he wanted the fight to be fought over the shorter distance, Tyson revealed: ‘I wanted the shorter rounds because I wanted more action. If we only have two minutes, we will fight more.”
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson will follow the same rules as ‘Iron Mike’s’ exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr. four years ago
Are knockouts allowed?
Unlike Tyson vs Jones Jr four years ago when knockouts were not allowed, this time, because it is a sanctioned fight, a knockout win is allowed.
Both boxers have vowed to knock the other out and it’s safe to say neither will hold back during the eight-round spectacle as they both want to achieve a result that will be talked about for a long time to come.
Glove weights, will they wear headgear?
Despite safety concerns being flagged, neither fighter will be wearing headgear during the clash.
However, both fighters will wear heavier gloves for the occasion, with their mitts weighing 14 oz instead of the fighting standard of 10 oz.
14 oz gloves are usually reserved for bag work and sparring sessions as they contain more padding. The reason for this change remains unclear.
Despite safety concerns, neither fighter will wear headgear for the class
Both fighters wear 14oz gloves, which are usually reserved for bag work and sparring sessions
Scoring/rating system
If the fight goes the full distance, the outcome of the match will be determined by the three ringside judges.
There will be a 10-point must system, meaning each round will be scored 10-9 for one of the fighters or 10-8 in the event of a knockdown.
Rounds can also be scored evenly, 10-10 if the judges see nothing to divide the two opponents.
Paul and Tyson can also have points deducted if the referee deems the fighter has committed a serious foul.