Featured Image Credit: MVP & Jake Paul/Instagram
Topics: UFC, Boxing, Mike Tyson, Jake Paul
Rory O'Callaghan
Topics: UFC, Boxing, Mike Tyson, Jake Paul
UFC legend Michael Bisping has sent Mike Tyson a warning over his upcoming clash with Jake Paul after the rules for the Netflix mega-fight were confirmed.
Tyson, 57, will return to the ring to face Paul, 27, on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in what will be a fully professional bout.
While it was initially expected to be an exhibition, a shock announcement earlier this week confirmed the heavyweight fight would be judged under professional rules.
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The fight will be contested over eight, two-minute rounds with each fighter using 14-ounce gloves, with the outcome affecting both of their professional boxing records.
The decision by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations to sanction the fight is a controversial one, given the huge age difference between the two fighters and the fact Tyson will be 58 by the time of the event.
Former UFC champion Bisping has criticised Paul for accepting the fight and says Tyson must win with an early stoppage, believing he is likely to lose if the bout reaches the fourth round.
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"If Jake Paul loses, listen, it's Mike Tyson, but still, come on," Bisping said on his Believe You Me podcast.
"He's 58-years-old but stop it [if you lose] never show your face again. Then if Jake Paul knocks out a 58-year-old man that’s called elderly abuse. You can’t win here. Other than a lot of money.
"It's only two minutes but if you’ve never boxed or fought you underestimate how long two minutes is.
"Mike Tyson, yeah he’s 58 and the rounds are only two minutes long, I think he’s still going to get tired after three rounds.
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"That said Jake Paul leaves tremendously massive openings and he's never fought anyone like Mike Tyson. He went the distance with Nate Diaz, he beat Nate Diaz and I'm not s***ing on him because he's great, a cult icon."
Tyson and Paul are set to break a long-standing boxing record when they finally meet in the ring.
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.