Mike Tyson’s return to the boxing ring against Jake Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on July 20 is shaping up to be a highly anticipated event.
This fight marks Tyson’s first professional bout since his 2020 exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. Contrary to expectations, this upcoming matchup has been classified as a sanctioned professional fight by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.
Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, emphasized that both Tyson and Paul are committed to a sanctioned professional fight with a definitive outcome. Over the past six weeks, the promoters have worked closely with regulatory authorities to meet the necessary requirements for sanctioning this bout.
The fight will be an eight-round contest with two-minute rounds, a departure from traditional heavyweight boxing matches. This modification reflects considerations for Tyson’s age (58) and Paul’s relative lack of experience in professional boxing.
Additionally, the fighters will wear 14-ounce gloves instead of the standard 12-ounce gloves, a factor that could benefit Paul given Tyson’s formidable punching power.
In preparation for this bout, Mike Tyson has adopted a disciplined lifestyle, training rigorously and making personal sacrifices. Tyson revealed in an interview with Forbes that he is training three times a day and has refrained from using cannabis or engaging in sexual activity for the past six weeks. Despite these sacrifices, Tyson views discipline as integral to achieving success in boxing.
Tyson’s return to professional boxing offers him an opportunity to secure his first professional victory since February 2003, highlighting the enduring appeal of the former heavyweight champion. The matchup against Jake Paul promises to be a compelling event, blending Tyson’s storied career with Paul’s rising prominence in the boxing world.
