Mike Tyson and Jake Paul set to smash 61-year boxing record that nobody thought could be beaten

The blockbuster clash between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson is set to break a 61-year boxing record.

Paul will welcome Tyson back to the ring when they meet on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The heavyweight contest will be a sanctioned, professional fight by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) in a major U-turn.

The former world heavyweight champion hasn't had a pro bout since June 2005 when he suffered a crushing defeat to Ireland's Kevin McBribe.

But he can lean on the experience of having over 50 pro fights during his legendary boxing career.

As for Paul, he has 10 pro fights to his name, boasting a record of 9-1.

And by the time Tyson faces Paul, he will be 58 while 'The Problem Child' will be 27.

That 31-year age gap will be the biggest in the history of professional boxing, surpassing the 24-year age gap between Archie Moore, 49, and Mike DiBiase, 25, when they fought in 1963, according to ESPN.

'Iron' Mike was 38 when he last competed in a pro fight, but he will once again lace up the gloves in the summer.

Mike Tyson after his exhibition bout against Roy Jones Jr back in November 2020. Image: Getty

On Paul vs. Tyson becoming a pro bout, Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said: "Mike Tyson and Jake Paul signed on to fight each other with the desire to do so in a sanctioned professional fight that would have a definitive outcome.

"Over the past six weeks MVP has worked with its partners to satisfy the requirements of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) to sanction Paul Vs Tyson and we are grateful that we have gotten to this point. MVP has championed fighter choice since its inception, including advocating for women’s boxing to be contested with 2 or 3 minute rounds based on the particular fight matchup.

"Paul vs Tyson and Taylor vs Serrano 2 will both be contested with 2 minute rounds and each mega-fight will have its winner. Thank you to the TDLR and Holden Boxing for their efforts throughout this process to date and we look forward to working closely with them as we approach fight night."

Topics: Mike Tyson, Jake Paul, Boxing

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

@NasJabbar