Jake Paulvs. Mike Tyson fight week has officially arrived, but anyone would be forgiven if they still didn’t know the rules.
After all, a boxing match between a 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-professional-boxer and a 58-year-old boxing legend is anything but normal. It’s the kind of matchup that begs the question, “What the heck is going on here?”
And yet, Paul, 27, and Tyson, 58, will step into the ring to headline a Netflix special event Friday at the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
So what are the rules for this unlikeliest of boxing matches? Here are the biggest things you need to know:
Will Paul vs. Tyson count as a professional fight?
Yes, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which is overseeing the event, approved Paul (10-1, 7 KOs) and Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) to compete against each other in a fully sanctioned professional bout. The result will count toward their records.
How many rounds is Paul vs. Tyson scheduled for, and how long are they?
Paul vs. Tyson is scheduled for eight, 2-minute rounds. The 2 minutes is a minute shorter than what is typically used for a men’s pro fight and is normally reserved for amateur bouts and women’s pro bouts. Two-minute rounds were specifically requested by Tyson, who figures to benefit.
Eight of Paul’s career pro fights have been scheduled for eight rounds, including his past three. Paul’s most recent fight not to be scheduled for eight rounds happened on August 5, 2023, when he went the 10-round distance with former UFC star Nate Diaz and won by unanimous decision. Paul’s first two pro fights of his career were scheduled for six rounds.
What size are the gloves for Paul vs. Tyson?
The fighters will wear 14-ounce gloves. This is 4 ounces heavier than 10-ounce gloves normally used in pro fights that take place at 147 pounds or higher. The thinking here is that the extra 4 ounces provides a little more cushion, making the fight safer for both men but especially Tyson.
Who chose these rules: Paul or Tyson?
During an episode of his “BS w/ Jake Paul” podcast back in May, Paul said the rule set for this fight was Tyson’s idea.
“Yep, all his rules,” Paul said. “I agreed to all his rules.”
Given concerns surrounding Tyson’s health and conditioning as the much older fighter, it only makes sense.
For more on the fight, visit MMA Junkie’s hub for Paul vs. Tyson.
