Jake Paul has adamantly denied headgear will be worn when he gets into the boxing ring with Mike Tyson. But other aspects of the fight set for July 20 remain unclear − and potentially a big disappointment for those expecting a traditional boxing match.
The rules for the bout, pitting the 27-year-old Paul against the 57-year-old Tyson at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and to be aired by Netflix, could include the following
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Those rules would be in effect if the fight is classified as an exhibition rather than a sanctioned pro fight, said Tela Mange, Communications Manager for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR).
The decision, which is pending, will be made by TDLR interim Executive Director, Brian E. Francis, with the input and advice of the TDLR Combative Sports staff, according to Mange. She also told USA TODAY Sports that an exhibition fight in Texas calls for the heavier boxing gloves, shorter rounds and no judges.
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The fight promoter, Holden Boxing LLC, has requested to have an event July 20, according to Mange. But Mange said by email, “we have not received any proposed (fight) cards and thus have no details about what they are planning. All bouts are subject to review and approval by (the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation).’’
Promoters must submit their final cards 21 days before the fight, according to Mange.
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A promoter can request an exhibition or a sanctioned pro bout. Holden Boxing is expected to seek a sanctioned pro fight.
“It’s pretty common for a promoter to request a date several months out but not immediately provide the proposed card,’’ she said. “They want to be sure that they’ve secured the date with us, since we’ll have to make sure we have appropriate staffing available for any event.’’
After publication of the story, Mange said, “The promoter will need to submit proposed cards before we determine whether a particular contest would be considered as an exhibition or a professional fight, or how a proposed exhibition might be structured.”
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Bryce Holden, principal at Holden Boxing LLC, did not respond to interview requests from USA TODAY Sports. He is the son of longtime promoter Tony Holden and has handled four events that featured Paul.
Tyson, a two-time world champion, is 50-6 with 44 knockouts and has fought former champions such as Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis and Michael Spinks. But he has not fought professionally since 2005 and he’s 30 years older than Paul.
Paul is 9-1 with six knockouts and is coming off of two first-round knockouts. He has fought only three pro boxers and all were second-tier fighters.
Fighters must undergo the necessary medical tests and combatants over the age of 36 are required to submit favorable results from an electroencephalogram (EEG) and an electrocardiogram (EKG), according to Mange.
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An EEG is used to evaluate brain disorders and an EKG is used to detect heart problems.
“We can also request additional testing if we think it’s appropriate,’’ Mange said.