Featured Image Credit: Netflix / DAZN
Topics: Jake Paul, Mike Tyson, Boxing
Ryan Smart
Jake Paul's manager has taken aim at 'haters' and rubbished claims surrounding a major rule change for his client's upcoming fight against Mike Tyson.
Paul will take on heavyweight boxing legend Tyson in Arlington, Texas on July 20.
The bout will be part of the first-ever live boxing card shown by streaming giants Netflix, with the show set to be available for free for existing subscribers to the platform.
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There are reports that the bout's organisers are hoping to have the bout sanctioned by the Texas boxing commission, which would allow it to be a professional fight.
But there was mass interest surrounding a claim made by heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora last week, shortly after the Paul vs Tyson fight was announced.
The 40-year-old claimed that the bout would effectively be a sparring contest, with both fighters wearing headguards and 18oz gloves.
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But MMA reporter Ariel Helwani later reported that, according to his sources, there would be no headgear involved.
And Paul's manager, Nakisa Bidarian of Most Valuable Promotions, also strongly rebuffed Chisora's claims - and aimed a guarded insult.
Taking to Instagram, Bidarian wrote (via Daily Mirror): "Unequivocally there is no headgear for Paul vs Tyson.
"Haters spreading fake news but it won't stop the 10's of millions of views."
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The fight is being billed as potentially being the 'most-watched boxing event' in modern boxing, with Bidarian stating in a press release once the bout was confirmed: "Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson is a once-in-a-lifetime dream matchup and I anticipate it will be the most-watched boxing event in modern boxing history."
Since his retirement from professional boxing in 2005 after a sixth-round defeat to American fighter Kevin McBride, 57-year-old Tyson has only stepped into the ring once, taking on Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition bout in November 2020.
Paul, meanwhile, has a professional boxing record of 9-1, and knocked out Ryan Bourland in the first round of his most recent fight on March 2.
His only loss came at the hands of Tommy Fury, who defeated 'The Problem Child' via split decision in Saudi Arabia in February. Fury has only fought once since, beating KSI by unanimous decision in October.