Skip to main content

Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul Officially Sanctioned as Pro Bout

Evans Makayla

Updated as of April 30, 2026 at 1:37 PM EDT. Read time: 1 minute and 60 seconds. Find more information on Twitter and Google News.

Mike Tyson on the field as we look at the details surrounding the pro bout designation given to the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight in July.
Mike Tyson on the field before the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on September 24, 2026. Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images via AFP.

The upcoming Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight on July 20, 2026 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas is expected to attract widespread attention, even from those who aren’t typically boxing fans. Jake Paul’s previous matches have drawn in large crowds, and a showdown with the legendary “Iron Mike” is anticipated to be a major event for sportsbooks.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has officially approved the fight, but it will still include modified rules that have not pleased everyone. However, our top boxing betting sites are sure to be thrilled with this news.

Regardless of the outcome, it will definitely be a show to remember as the 27-year-old YouTube sensation Paul continues to carefully select his opponents in his quest to establish a boxing career. Up until now, he has primarily faced off against ex-UFC fighters, with a few lesser-known boxers thrown into the mix.

The most notable name on his list of accomplishments is Tyson, even though he is now 51 years old and no longer in his prime. He hasn’t competed in an officially sanctioned fight since 2005 and has not secured a victory in a bout since 2003. Nevertheless, Tyson has taken part in a few exhibition fights since his last official match.

We assess the likelihood of the older fighter winning in our Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson odds.

The rules

It took some time for the rules to be finalized after the fight was announced on March 7. Holden Boxing LLC, the fight promoter, proposed the changes to the rules.

Typically, professional boxing matches consist of three-minute rounds and require gloves weighing 10 ounces. However, the decision to have eight two-minute rounds for the fight may have been influenced by the advanced age of the former champion.

Both fighters have decided to wear 14-ounce gloves, which are heavier and usually lead to softer punches due to the additional foam padding that absorbs energy. This could potentially reduce the impact of Tyson’s punches.

“TDLR staff always prioritize the safety of the contestants in the ring or octagon,” stated Tela Mange, Communications Manager for TDLR, in an interview with USA TODAY Sports. “This competition is no exception.”

Reactions from the boxing world

As anticipated, opinions on the match between two fighters with a 31-year age difference vary. Some view the fight as simply an exhibition, regardless of its official classification. Former heavyweight champion George Foreman described it as “purely an exhibition” in an interview with USA Today.

“He added that it’s a win-win situation for both Tyson and Paul. Tyson won’t get hurt, and Paul can have a good night too.”

Tyron Woodley, a former UFC champion who Paul defeated twice in 2021 (once by split decision, once by KO), stated that he believed the title was inconsequential.

Jake Donovan, a senior writer for Ring Magazine, expressed his disappointment on X, formerly known as Twitter, by stating “shame on everyone involved in this decision.”

Despite any opinions within the boxing industry, the fact that the clash is an officially sanctioned fight will undoubtedly make it a highly anticipated event for users of our top sports betting apps. Additionally, the fight will be available for streaming on Netflix.

Written By:
Evans Makayla
Andrew is a Publishing Editor at Underscoreg Review. He graduated from Acadia University with a degree in Kinesiology, working as a personal trainer and in injury rehab, and then attended the College of Sports Media in Toronto to attain a diploma in Radio and Television Sports Broadcasting. Andrew has been involved in the sports betting and fantasy sports space since joining the FNTSY Sports Network in 2014, where he worked as a producer, director, and occasional on-air talent on various shows focusing on sports betting and DFS content. Prior to joining SBR, he spent multiple years with the USA Today Network as an editor and writer. Living in Newfoundland, Andrew frequents grey market sportsbooks, but in the past, when he’s lived in regulated areas, he’s become well-versed with all of our best sportsbooks. As strictly a casual bettor, he enjoys making touchdown parlays with friends (bro-lays), sweating out golf cut parlays during majors, playing same-game parlays for fun, and chasing long-shot bets. He also enjoys using sportsbooks that have solid iGaming and casino platforms. As the old guy on staff, he has an affinity for industry news, which confuses some, but shh … quiet … the news is on.