Jake Paul and Mike Tyson are set to face off in a highly anticipated boxing match on 15 November at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The bout will feature modified rules, including heavier gloves and shorter rounds, sparking debate about potential risks.
Despite these changes, medical professionals have raised concerns about Tyson’s age and health.
The fight is expected to draw massive viewership, as it will be broadcast free to Netflix’s 282 million subscribers.
The modified rules for the Paul-Tyson bout include the use of 14oz gloves, heavier than the standard 10oz mitts used in professional fights.
Additionally, the match will consist of eight two-minute rounds, shorter than the traditional three-minute rounds.
Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul will have different rules to a normal boxing fight
Getty
These changes were likely implemented to reduce the risk of injury, particularly given Tyson’s age of 58.
However, experts warn that these modifications may not fully mitigate the dangers inherent in the sport.
Hall of Fame boxing referee Richard Steele, who officiated six of Tyson’s fights, has issued a warning to Paul.
JUST IN: Ruben Amorim set to make huge U-turn over Manchester United job after Erik ten Hag sacking
“That’s still a small glove thinking about the power of Mike Tyson,” he told USA Today.
Steele added, “I don’t see the guy going that distance with Tyson. Because Tyson, he’s so strong and he’s an ex-champion. He knows what he’s doing and for two minutes… he can go all out.”
Despite Tyson’s age, Steele believes he remains a formidable opponent.
READ MORE: Mike Tyson’s daughter issues three-word message as fresh concerns emerge over Jake Paul fight
Medical professionals have expressed serious concerns about Tyson’s participation in the fight. Stephen Hughes, Senior Lecturer in Medicine at Anglia Ruskin University, highlighted the potential health risks for Tyson.
Hughes explained, “In older people, the brain tends to lose volume. This lengthens the bridging veins and makes them more vulnerable to rupture.”
He further warned that bleeding from torn veins could lead to severe consequences, including confusion, loss of consciousness, neurological disability, and in some cases, death.
Mike Tyson is set to return to the ring for a professional fight for the first time since 2005
Reuters
Despite the controversy surrounding the fight, Paul vs Tyson is poised to be one of the most-watched sporting events of the 21st century.
Netflix, which boasts around 282 million paid subscribers, will broadcast the match free to existing customers.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Man Utd players thought Erik ten Hag ‘unnecessarily humiliated Cristiano Ronaldo’ as details come to light
- Vinicius Jr misses out on huge bonus after Rodri beats Real Madrid star to Ballon d’Or
- Nick Kyrgios thinks humans didn’t build the pyramids and the earth might be flat as tennis star opens up
Jake Paul has been warned about getting in the ring with Mike Tyson
GETTY
This unprecedented distribution model is expected to drive significant viewer engagement.
Industry experts anticipate a surge in Netflix subscriptions as the fight night approaches, potentially setting new records for combat sports viewership.