Mike Tyson Vs Roy Jones Jr: Rules And Regulations For Exhibition Fight Confirmed

A fantasy fight between heavyweight great Mike Tyson and former pound-for-pound king Roy Jones Jr becomes a reality in California on Saturday.

Two 50-something legends trading punches has divided fight fans between those dazzled by the star power and people who really wish it wasn't happening. But what's been clear from the start is this is officially an exhibition and won't go on either man's pro boxing record.

However there's been plenty of debate over what the rules and regulations for this special event actually are - including whether the two men are even allowed to knock one another out.

What's for certain is that Tyson vs Jones doesn't follow traditional exhibition rules, as both will be competing without headguards. It's also been announced that, while the contest won't have official ringside judges, there is likely to be guest judges scoring remotely.

Executive director of the California State Athletic Commission, Andy Foster, spoke to MMA Fighting in order to clarify the exact rules of combat.

"Let's call it an exhibition. That's what it is," Foster explained. "I want the public to know what this is because I don't want people to be disappointed. As long as they know this is an exhibition, I'm fine for everybody to earn."

Both fighters are certainly going to earn, with Tyson expected to make up to $10 million and Jones around $3 million.

"There's no official judges," Foster added. "The WBC is going to have some guest celebrity judges remotely, not official, not 10-9 [scores], nothing like that. No cumulative score. No winner announced."

"That's a very entertainment-centred thing. It's about entertainment. It's not about competition."

What we do know is that these rules are to be in place:

• The bout will take place over eight rounds timed at two minutes each.

• Neither boxer will is required to wear headgear.

• Tyson and Jones will be wearing 12-ounce gloves.

• If either boxer suffers a bad cut, the exhibition is over.

• Both fighters had to undergo complete medical testing in order to be cleared for the bout and both athletes entered VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency) testing prior to the contest.

So there is nothing officially stating the fight is immediately called off if one fighter is knocked down or that they won't be trying to hurt one another. Which could be good or bad, depending on your point of view.

"It's going to be fun," Foster finished telling MMA Fighting. "It is what it is and it's not more than it is but it's going to be fun. They're both wonderful champions. These are legends of the sport."

Featured image credit: Instagram/@MikeTyson/@royjonesjrofficial