Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Jake Paul, Mike Tyson, Boxing
Nasir Jabbar
Jake Paul proposed a different rule to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations for the Mike Tyson fight before a major U-turn.
Paul welcomes Tyson back to the world of professional boxing.
Despite it being a pro bout, Paul vs. Tyson will be contested over eight two-minute rounds opposed to the traditional three-minute rounds, with both fighters wearing 14-ounce gloves.
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Ahead of making his return to the sport, 'Iron' Mike made an unusual request to the Texas commission that was approved.
Officials from the local commission had to evaluate the 58-year-old's fitness to compete during a sparring session.
That's according to Texas commission spokesperson Tela Mange, who revealed that Most Valuable Promotions first proposed the bout as an exhibition.
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So, Paul's promotional company wanted to face Tyson in an exhibition before the contest was changed to a pro bout.
Once Paul vs. Tyson was shifted to a fully sanctioned pro fight, MVP asked if the commission would allow the fight to maintain those bigger gloves and round requirements.
"Our combative sports staff evaluate numerous factors to determine if an event can be held in a manner that is both safe for both contestants and in compliance with Department laws and rules," Mange told ESPN.
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Asked what additional testing or medical clearance the commission required due to Tyson's age, she replied: "It will conduct the usual pre-fight physicals the day before the fight."
MVP chief Nakisa Bidarian also had his say on the two-minute rounds, saying: "Women fight under two minutes most times.
"So, there's no reason that the men can't fight two-minute rounds for a championship fight or a pro fight," he added "There's zero difference. If you actually think about equality, there should be zero difference... And so, for someone to say, 'This is only two-minute rounds' is like saying, 'Ooh, then women's fights aren't pro fights because they're two-minute rounds'."