Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul Officially Sanctioned as Pro Bout

Even if you're not a boxing fan, all eyes will be on the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight scheduled for July 20, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Previous Jake Paul boxing matches have been significant draws for spectators, and a match against "Iron Mike" is sure to be a boon for our best sportsbooks.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) announced that it would officially sanction the fight on Monday. However, despite the new designation, the fight will still feature modified rules, and not everyone is happy with it earning the sanctioned designation. But our best boxing betting sites will surely be overjoyed.

It's sure to be a spectacle either way, with the 27-year-old YouTube star Paul continuing to strategically pick and choose his opponents as he attempts to get a boxing career off the ground. His previous bouts have mostly come against former UFC fighters, with a spattering of lesser-known boxers along the way.

By far the most significant name on his resume will be Tyson, although he's well past his prime at the age of 51. He also hasn't participated in an officially sanctioned fight since 2005 and hasn't won a bout since 2003. However, Tyson has logged a few exhibition fights since his last sanctioned matchup.

We look at the elder fighter's chances of winning in our Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson odds.

The rules

The rules have taken some time to settle since the fight was first announced on March 7. Holden Boxing LLC, the fight promoter, was responsible for suggesting the modified rules. 

Generally, professional boxing matches call for three-minute rounds and gloves that weigh 10 ounces. Perhaps the advanced age of the former champ came into play when the fighters settled on eight two-minute rounds.

The combatants have also agreed to wear 14-ounce gloves. Heavier gloves typically result in lighter hits because there's more foam to absorb energy, which may lessen the force behind Tyson's blows.

"The safety of the contestants competing in the ring or the octagon is always the primary concern of TDLR staff," Tela Mange, TDLR's Communications Manager, told USA TODAY Sports. "This competition is no different."

Reactions from the boxing world

As one might expect, reactions to a bout between two fighters with a 31-year age gap have been mixed. Many consider the fight to be no more than an exhibition, regardless of the formal designation. 

"Purely an exhibition!" former heavyweight champion George Foreman told USA Today.

"Great for each man," he added. "Tyson can't get hurt, and Paul can have a good night as well." 

Tyron Woodley, a former UFC champion whom Paul topped twice in 2021 (once by split decision, once by KO), said he felt the designation was irrelevant. 

Then there's Jake Donovan, a senior writer for Ring Magazine, who said "shame on everyone involved in this decision" on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Regardless of how people in the boxing industry feel about the designation, the clash being an officially sanctioned fight will make it a great event for our best sports betting apps. The fight will air on Netflix.