Veteran referee Mark Calo-oy has been named as the official for Jake Paul’s highly-anticipated clash with Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium in Texas on Friday night.
The 64-year-old Texas official is no stranger to Paul, having previously overseen the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s unanimous decision victory over UFC legend Nate Diaz in Dallas last August.
The appointment comes as Paul prepares to face his most accomplished opponent to date in the 58-year-old former undisputed heavyweight champion.
Calo-oy brings significant big-fight experience to the high-profile Netflix event, having previously officiated major bouts in Texas.
Most notably, he was the third man in the ring for the 2021 world title fight between Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders at the same AT&T Stadium.
That championship contest drew a massive crowd of 73,126 spectators, demonstrating Calo-oy’s capability to handle events of considerable magnitude.
Jake Paul already knows the referee very well
Reuters
The bout will feature several special rules, departing from conventional boxing regulations due to concerns over Tyson’s stamina.
The fight will be contested over eight two-minute rounds, rather than the standard championship duration.
Both fighters will wear 14oz gloves, heavier than the typical 10oz gloves used in professional heavyweight bouts.
Despite these modifications, the contest remains officially sanctioned, with knockdowns and knockouts permitted and judges scoring at ringside should the fight go the full 16-minute distance.
Tensions flared at Thursday’s weigh-in when Tyson slapped Paul during their face-off.
Paul responded defiantly, stating: “I didn’t even feel it.
“He’s angry. He’s an angry little elf. Mike Tyson, I thought that was a cute slap, buddy, but tomorrow you’re getting knocked the f*** out.”
Tyson explained his actions, saying: “I was in my socks and he had on shoes. He stepped on my toe because he is an a**hole.
“I wanted to think it happened by accident. But now I think it may have happened on purpose.”
Mike Tyson slapped Jake Paul in a chaotic weigh-in
Reuters
The fight is scheduled to begin at 4am on Saturday in the UK, with a 10pm Friday start time in Dallas.
The financial stakes are significant for both fighters, with Paul reportedly set to earn £31.6m for the event.
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Mike Tyson and Jake Paul will fight on Friday night in Arlington
Reuters
Tyson’s purse is said to be £15.8m for his first fight since his 2005 professional retirement against Kevin McBride.
The bout will be broadcast exclusively on Netflix, marking a first for the streaming platform in live boxing events.