The upcoming boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul has been officially sanctioned as a professional bout by Texas authorities, setting the stage for an intriguing clash that will count on their professional records. Scheduled for eight two-minute rounds, this match deviates from the typical pro fight duration and will feature heavier, 14oz gloves instead of the standard 10oz, reflecting considerations for the fighters’ safety and the unique nature of the matchup.

This decision follows intense speculation about the nature of the fight, particularly given the significant age difference between the 57-year-old Tyson and 27-year-old Paul. Concerns about both fighters’ health have been vocalized, with some fearing Tyson’s legendary power could overwhelm his less experienced opponent, while others worry about the physical toll on Tyson against a much younger adversary.

Despite these concerns, training footage shows Tyson attacking the punching bag with his characteristic intensity. The fight promises to draw significant attention, with Netflix set to stream the event live on July 20 from Arlington. This bout marks another milestone in Jake Paul’s controversial boxing journey, where he has already faced off against notable names like Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz, and faced his first professional defeat by England’s Tommy Fury in early 2023.

Tyson, known for becoming the youngest-ever heavyweight champion at age 20 and last appearing in a professional ring in 2005, returned to the spotlight with an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr in 2020, which ended in a draw. As the fight approaches, the sporting world watches keenly, anticipating how these two figures from vastly different eras of combat sports will fare against each other in this unprecedented matchup.