Mike Tyson to Fight Jake Paul in Sanctioned Heavyweight Professional Bout in Dallas

Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson’s upcoming fight against YouTube sensation Jake Paul on July 20 in Dallas is set to be a sanctioned heavyweight professional bout, as announced by the fighters and promoters on Tuesday (AEST).

The highly anticipated fight will consist of eight two-minute rounds, with the result counting on the official records of both Paul and Tyson. Tyson, with a record of 50-6 and 44 knockouts, has not won a fight since 2003, when he defeated Clifford Etienne.

Despite concerns over the age difference between the fighters, with Paul being 27 and Tyson turning 58 on June 30, both parties were eager to have the fight sanctioned as a professional bout. Paul confirmed the news on X, stating, “Mike Tyson wanted it to be a pro fight. Netflix wanted it to be a pro fight. So I agreed to make it a pro fight. Winner takes all.”

The fight will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian expressed their efforts to meet the requirements of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations to sanction the fight.

Tyson, a former undisputed champion, won his first heavyweight world title in 1986, almost a decade before Paul was born. After a successful career, Tyson announced his retirement in 2005 following a loss to Kevin McBride.

On the other hand, Paul, with a record of 9-1 and six wins by knockout, is coming off a recent victory in Puerto Rico. His only loss came in a split decision against Tommy Fury in February 2023.

The clash between these two fighters from different eras is sure to be a spectacle for boxing fans worldwide.