Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight rules: Boxing officials make rare exceptions for bout

Texas has proven to be an accommodating host when it comes to fight rules for Mike Tyson and Jake Paul.

Many boxing commissions across the country require 10-ounce gloves and three-minute rounds for sanctioned pro fights involving male boxers who weigh 147 pounds or more. Those rules follow guidelines issued by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combat Sports.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 23: Mike Tyson attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflix’s “Starting 5″at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on September 23, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)© Matt Winkelmeyer, Getty Images

But that’s not how it works for the Texas Department of Regulation and Licensing (TDLR), which regulates combat sports in Texas. Certainly not for the Nov. 15 fight between Tyson and Paul that’s scheduled to go eight rounds.

At the request of Bryce Holden, promoter for the bout, the TDLR approved the use of 14-ounce gloves and two-minute rounds for the Nov. 15 fight to be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The use of 14-ounce gloves for a sanctioned pro fight will be a first in Texas, according to Tela Mange, Communications Manager for the TDLR. Two-minute rounds for fights involving male boxers also are rare in Texas, according to Mange.

“We’ve had a couple of men’s bouts that were professional debuts that were two-minute rounds, but it’s been awhile and I haven’t been able to figure out who those were,’’ she said.

When asked why the TDLR made exceptions for the Tyson-Paul fight, Mange responded, “…if two contestants request terms that do not represent a safety issue, and are not in violation of statute and/or rules, then we can agree to regulate the event and ensure those terms are enforced. Having heavier gloves and shorter rounds does not make the event more dangerous for either competitor.’’

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Tyson vs. Paul: What to know about the rules

Two-minute rounds: Tyson has said he wanted two-minute rounds to create more action. That answer seems true but incomplete.

Reducing the standard rounds by a minute will allow Tyson to expend less energy and, presumably, leave more available to attack Paul. But in that same way, the two-minute rounds likely will serve Paul, allowing him to reduce the fear of fatigue.

Paul has asked Tyson if he’d be willing to fight 10, three-minute rounds – rules in line with a traditional, non-title fight. Tyson has declined.

Tyson’s exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020 was scheduled for eight, two-minute rounds. Scored unofficially, the fight went the distance and ended in a draw.

The 14-ounce gloves: Paul is expected to benefit from the heavier gloves because the padding could reduce the force of Tyson’s punches. Though it’s unclear if Tyson has the quickness and mobility needed to win the fight, video clips of his training show he still has power. However, Tyson might benefit from the 14-ounce gloves too. Paul also has shown impressive power while scoring seven knockouts in his 11 fights.

Size of the boxing ring: The ring must measure no less than 16 by 16 feet and no less than 24 by 24, according to TDLR rules. Within that range, the size of the ring is up to the promoter. Holden, who works for Most Valuable Promotions, co-founded by Paul, did not return messages USA TODAY Sports left by voicemail and text message.

Tyson has said he expects to have to chase down Paul, so he likely wants a smaller ring to cut down on the chasing.

What experts say about the rules

George Foreman, the retired heavyweight world champion, on 14-ounce gloves: “For a genuine puncher, there is hardly any difference. When I was sparring back in the day, many guys were hurt and holding on when I hit them. ….(A 14-ounce glove) can’t mask power.‘’

Ann Wolfe, trainer and retired boxer, on the difference between 10-ounce and 14-ounce gloves: “Gloves are just like hammers. They do different damage. …But if you hit something multiple times, it’ll cause just as much damage.’’

Abel Sanchez, the retired trainer who worked with former world champions Gennady Golovkin and Terry Norris, said of the two-minute rounds, “I think that would benefit Tyson because he can sprint to the finish, so to speak. Less chance for change and lifestyle to affect him.’’

Nico Ali Walsh, pro boxer and grandson of Muhammad Ali on the 14-ounce gloves: “It will take the sting off a little bit. And I believe the glove size is there just as a precaution, since Mike is older than people that are fighting professionally. He shouldn’t be fighting in professionally sized gloves.’’

Of the two-minute rounds, Ali Walsh said he sees that as a precaution as well. “The combination of the two-minute rounds and the 14-ounce gloves made this fight possible. I don’t think any sanctioning body would allow the fight to happen with Mike if they were 10-ounce gloves and three-minute rounds. …

“The two-minute rounds will just kind of speed the action up. Amateur boxers fight two-minute rounds, and if you watch amateur boxing, there’s no lapses in action.”