Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Special Rules: Rounds, Gloves, Medical Tests, and Other Conditions for Their Professional Boxing Match

YouTube star Jake Paul and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson will collide on November 15th in a unique boxing match at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The 31-year age gap aside, the bout is actually unique and unusual because of the set of rules imposed on what is being billed as a professional boxing match. 

Sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations, the Netflix exclusive pro fight will feature rules, which are unheard of. In addition to that, there are supposed to be several medical tests that Tyson will have to pass to be eligible for the fight. Do you know what they are? If not, we have got your back, Jack. 

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: Rules and Regulations

To begin with, the fight’s shaking things up with eight rounds, but here’s the twist, each round’s a lightning-fast two minutes instead of the usual three fans know and love. Tyson, who is 58 years old, may benefit from the change, needing less energy while facing a boxer 31 years his junior. However, this isn’t the end of the conversation. 

The fight will also see both fighters wear 14-ounce gloves—a rarity in professional boxing, as opposed to 10-ounce gloves in normal pro fights. Not to mention, they are basically massive pillows. This rule will also help Tyson avoid any significant injury, but with Tyson’s power being what it is, it may also save Paul from Tyson’s destructive power. 

Despite the fight being billed as a professional bout, Kathy Duva, a longtime boxing promoter, has said, “Sanction or not, it’s an exhibition when you start changing the rules.” This point shifts the narrative from the fight being a professional one to an exhibition despite what it is being called by the promoters of the fight. But wait there’s more.

You know how some felt the heavier gloves may help Tyson—well, others felt the gloves may reduce Tyson’s speed, giving Paul an edge. Zach Schlouch, Director of Sportsbook Operations for Rush Street, adds that “shorter rounds, generally speaking, lead to more action…keeping the intensity high.” Yet, heavyweight champion George Foreman remains confident in Tyson’s power, saying, “A 14-ounce glove can’t mask power.” 

Medical tests and other conditions for the fight

For those who are understandably concerned for the former heavyweight champion, this should give you some relief. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has issued a strict mandate, which will force the organizers and Tyson to go through medical tests before he is allowed to enter the ring on Friday night. 

You see, after Tyson’s most recent health scare during a cross-country flight involving a stomach ulcer, the TDLR doesn’t want to take any chances with Tyson’s health. He must go through and pass both an EEG for brain function and an EKG for heart health before stepping into the ring. 

These tests were set to prioritize the boxing legend’s safety, especially in light of his recent statement in a Netflix docuseries where he recounted the severity of his ulcer. “I asked the doctor, ‘Am I going to die?’” Tyson revealed while emphasizing losing 25 pounds in 11 days and endured eight blood transfusions.

“The doctor said I lost half my blood. I almost died.” So, TDLR has assured fans stating that “thorough pre-fight physicals will be conducted” by licensed physicians to review Tyson’s medical history and ensure he is ready for the fight, balancing excitement with his health needs.

That being the case, people concerned about Tyson’s health may take a sigh of relief, knowing even a single irregularity can cancel the fight before it even starts. Regardless, are you satisfied with these rules and regulations? Or should more be done to protect the boxing legend?