Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: Fight Rules Explained Ahead of Friday’s Showdown

Fight week is here, and while the buzz around Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson has been building, you’d be forgiven for still scratching your head over the rules of this matchup. With a 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer taking on a 58-year-old boxing legend, it’s safe to say this fight is far from ordinary. Here’s everything you need to know as they get ready to clash at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas, for a Netflix special event this Friday.

Will This Count as a Professional Fight?

Yes, it will. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has approved this fight as a fully sanctioned professional bout, meaning the result will count toward the fighters’ records. Paul currently holds a record of 10-1 (7 KOs), while Tyson, the former heavyweight champion, stands at 50-6 (44 KOs).

How Many Rounds Are Scheduled, and What’s Their Duration?

The fight is set for eight rounds, with each round lasting 2 minutes—a deviation from the standard 3-minute rounds typical of men’s pro fights. Two-minute rounds are more commonly seen in amateur and women’s pro bouts. This adjustment was specifically requested by Tyson, a move that likely benefits him given his age and conditioning.

What Size Are the Gloves?

Paul and Tyson will wear 14-ounce gloves, which are heavier than the standard 10-ounce gloves used in professional fights above 147 pounds. This extra padding is intended to make the fight safer for both participants, but especially for Tyson, who is stepping back into the ring at 58.

Who Decided on These Rules?

According to Jake Paul, Tyson was the one who set the terms. “Yep, all his rules,” Paul admitted during an episode of his “BS w/ Jake Paul” podcast in May. “I agreed to all his rules.” Given Tyson’s age and health considerations, it’s no surprise that these adjustments were made.

Paul, who has experience with eight-round fights, will be stepping into familiar territory. His last eight-round bout was a 10-round distance victory over Nate Diaz on August 5, 2023. Tyson, on the other hand, hasn’t fought in a sanctioned pro match since his exhibition with Roy Jones Jr. in 2020.

How to Watch Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson

The bout between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will be streamed live exclusively on Netflix. The event is scheduled for Friday, November 15, 2024, with the main card beginning at 8 p.m. ET. Subscribers can access the live stream directly through the Netflix platform at no additional cost.

As the boxing world braces for this unprecedented matchup, fans are eager to see how the clash between youth and experience will unfold. Will Jake Paul’s recent momentum carry him through, or will Mike Tyson’s legendary prowess prove too formidable? Only time will tell.