Paul vs. Tyson Fight Rules A ‘Disgrace’ To Boxing: ‘Who’s Approving That?’
A former boxing champion thinks the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight is a "disgrace" to the sport after the rules of the bout were revealed.
The upcoming boxing match between the YouTube sensation and the former heavyweight champion continues to spark controversy. This time, significant rule changes to the fight, including heavier gloves and shorter rounds, left former world cruiserweight champion, Tony Bellew, questioning why the adjustments were even allowed.
"It's got 14-ounce gloves and you're fighting two-minute rounds. What the f**k is going on? Who's commissioned that and who's approving that?" Bellew told Ace Odds, per Dexerto.
The key changes to the boxing rules for the fight include:
Heavier Glove Weight - Both boxers will be wearing 14-ounce gloves, heavier than the standard for professional fights and a measure seen to reduce the impact of punches.
According to the Nevada Athletic Commission, boxers weighing 135 pounds or less should wear 8-ounce gloves in competition, while 135 pounds over must wear 10-ounce gloves.
Headgear Requirement - Both fighters are required to wear headgear. Traditionally, headgear is used in amateur boxing to protect fighters. Its use in professional matches is rare.
Reduced Fight and Round Time - The fight will only last for eight rounds, with each round's length reduced from the traditional three minutes to two minutes.
Some argue this change favors less experienced fighters by reducing the endurance required.
The bout between the 27-year-old Paul and 58-year-old Tyson has been officially sanctioned as a professional fight, meaning the results will go on the fighters' records.
"Mike Tyson's whole career has been fought over three-minute rounds. How is he allowing a two-minute round bout to go on his professional record?" Bellew added.
"So why is a bout over two-minute rounds being deemed as a professional bout? It's a disgrace. It's an absolute p*** take," said the former WBC champ, pointing out that two-minute rounds are for women's fights and not for the men's.
However, former WBO welterweight champ Timothy Bradley believes the rule-change, specifically the shorter rounds, would favor the veteran fighter.
"Two minutes is going to favor Mike Tyson ... banging him to the body, hitting him with power shots," Bradley told Fox News.
"He has the potential to knock this man out. The power is the last thing to leave you. Two minutes, that's all it takes to knock Disney boy the hell out."
Tyson recently suffered a health scare on a flight to Los Angeles but has now been cleared for the fight.
The Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight is scheduled for July 20, 2024, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
