The rules for Mike Tyson's controversial fight with Jake Paul have finally been confirmed, and a clear favourite has emerged with the bookies following the announcement.
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 the main event of a card that will air on Netflix.
There has been confusion over whether the fight would be sanctioned as a professional bout following mixed messages from the two fighters involved.
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While Tyson initially claimed it will be a "real fight" under exhibition rules, YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul later stated that he hoped for the bout to be contested as professional.
It has now been confirmed that the fight has been licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations, despite the fact that Tyson will be 58 by the time of the event.
The heavyweight clash will be contested over eight, two-minute rounds with each fighter using 14-ounce gloves.
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The outcome will affect both of their professional boxing records.
"Mike Tyson and Jake Paul signed on to fight each other with the desire to do so in a sanctioned professional fight that would have a definitive outcome," Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said in a statement.
"Over the past six weeks, MVP has worked with its partners to satisfy the requirements of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) to sanction Paul vs. Tyson, and we are grateful that we have gotten to this point."
Bookmakers have reacted to the announcement with fresh odds on the fight.
Yes it's a real sanctioned fight with @jakepaul #PaulTyson
According to odds provided by oddschecker, Paul remains favourite to win despite the change of rules which seemingly favour Tyson.
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He's listed as favourite at 8/13, with former undisputed heavyweight champion Tyson the underdog at 7/5.
Tyson has not fought since drawing with Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition match in 2020, while his last professional bout came back in 2005 against Kevin McBride, when he was stopped after six rounds.
His professional record stands at 50-6-0 (44 KO), while Paul holds a record of 9-1-0 (6 KO) – with his only defeat coming against Tommy Fury in February of last year.
Featured Image Credit: Getty & MVPTopics: Boxing, Mike Tyson, Jake Paul, Heavyweight Boxing