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Not only is the Mike Tyson - Jake Paul fight still going ahead on July 20, but the stakes have been raised with the announcement of the rules -- and the sanctioning of the bout as a professional fight.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations has officially classified the Tyson - Paul showdown at AT&T Stadium as a professional fight between the former heavyweight champion "Iron Mike" and his challenger, a YouTube celebrity-turned pro boxer. Both men reacted to the change on social media and seemed to embrace a decision that drastically raises the profile of this bout.
Not just an exhibition anymore
This showdown in Arlington will go on the professional records of Tyson (50 career wins) and Paul (nine career wins) in an alteration that both men supported on social meida.
"It's a real sanctioned fight," Tyson posted on X.
As for the rules, there will be eight two-minute rounds that comprise this now-historic fight, with the largest age gap between combatants in professional boxing history. The 57-year-old Tyson and the 26-year-old Paul will be wearing 14-ounce gloves and no headgear when they step into the ring in Arlington.
Paul also posted to social media about his support for a sanctioned, professional fight, claiming that both Tyson and Netflix -- distributing the fight live in the United States -- wanted any perception of an exhibition removed from the bout. Paul said he agreed, and he will seek his 10th career victory against a man with 44 wins via knockout to his name.