MIKE TYSON’s shock showdown with Jake Paul will be a PROFESSIONAL boxing match, it’s been claimed.
Fight fans worldwide were left stunned last month when it was announced that the boxing legend would trade blows with the YouTube sensation.
Tyson and Paul, 57 and 27 respectively, are set to trade blows live on Netflix, although it’s unknown if their July joust will be a pro match.
But according to Tyson’s former foe Roy Jones Jr, the duo’s Texas tussle will go on both of their professional records.
The former four-weight world champion told The Lunch Club: “The Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight is not an exhibition, I’ve heard it’s been upgraded to a fight.
“If it’s a fight, it’s very intriguing how it may turn out because Jake Paul has gotten a lot better as a boxer over the days.
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“But Mike Tyson, even at 58 or however old he is, is still Mike Tyson.”
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation have yet to confirm the rules for the controversial clash.
Both fighters will, however, have to undergo traditional pre-fight testing in order for the bout to go ahead.
But TLDR regulations mean Tyson’s results will be under further scrutiny due to his age.
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Combatants over the age of 36 are required to submit favourable electroencephalogram (EEG) and an electrocardiogram (EKG) results in their pre-fight screenings.
A TLDR spokesperson has also revealed Tyson may be subjected to “additional testing” if they deem it necessary.
Former undisputed heavyweight champion Tyson hasn’t fought since his exhibition with fellow great Jones Jr in November 2020.
And ‘Iron Mike’ is champing at the bit to teach ‘The Problem Child’ a lesson.
He said: “I’m very much looking forward to stepping into the ring with Jake Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
“He’s grown significantly as a boxer over the years.
‘So it will be a lot of fun to see what the will and ambition of a ‘kid’ can do with the experience and aptitude of a GOAT.
“It’s a full circle moment that will be beyond thrilling to watch; as I started him on his boxing journey on the undercard of my fight with Roy Jones and now I plan to finish him.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk