Mike Tyson has provided clarity on a major query surrounding his upcoming bout against Jake Paul. Last month when the highly anticipated match was announced, speculation swirled regarding whether it would be classified as a professional bout or an exhibition match.
In a recent interview with Sean Hannity, Tyson put an end to the online rumors by confirming that his showdown with Paul will indeed be an ‘exhibition’ match adhering to real boxing regulations.
He said: “This is called an exhibition, but if you look up exhibition you will not see any of the rules will be fighting under. This is a fight.”
Tyson emphasized his commitment to the match, underlining his seriousness in training for the event. He expressed his conviction that Paul aims to inflict harm during the match.
He continued: “I don’t think he’s faster than me. I train every day, I take it serious… I’m invincible.”
Addressing doubts about Paul’s abilities, Tyson asserted his belief in his own speed and dedication to training. He dismissed notions that Paul is the same person seen in old YouTube videos.
Tyson said: “I think he’s come a long way from YouTubing. I seen a YouTube of him at 16 doing weird dances, that’s not the guy I’m fighting. This guys gonna come, try and hurt me… and he’s gonna be greatly mistaken.”
Over the weekend, rumors circulated suggesting modified rules for the match. This included the use of larger gloves and shorter rounds. But Paul’s manager Nikasa Bidarian, promptly debunked these speculations.
Nevertheless, uncertainty looms over the approval of the exhibition match by the Texas Athletic Commission due to the significant age difference between the two competitors. Tyson’s age beyond 36 means that in order to be sanctioned for a professional match, he has to clear both an electrocardiogram (EKG) and an electroencephalogram (EEG).
Currently, the two are slated to face off live on Netflix in July at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas.