Title: Mike Tyson and Jake Paul’s Fight Rules Blasted as ‘Insane’ Ahead of Brain Scans
As the highly anticipated bout between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul draws closer, former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew has voiced strong objections to the fight’s rules and professional status, citing concerns over Tyson’s legacy and the integrity of the sport.
Scheduled to take place at the 80,000-capacity Dallas Cowboys stadium in Texas this summer, the fight marks Tyson’s first professional bout in nearly two decades since his 2005 match against Kevin McBride. The clash between the legendary heavyweight and the YouTuber-turned-boxer has garnered significant attention, not least because of the unusual stipulations surrounding the bout.
The 57-year-old Tyson, who recently experienced a health scare with an ulcer flare-up but has since recovered, will face 27-year-old Paul under conditions that Bellew has labeled as “insane.” Speaking to Ace Odds, Bellew criticized the approval of the fight under professional status, highlighting the use of 14-ounce gloves and two-minute rounds. “How the… has that been getting registered as a professional bout?” Bellew questioned.
Bellew expressed his dismay at these modifications, noting that Tyson’s entire career was built on three-minute rounds, the standard for professional male bouts. He pointed out the discrepancy: “The women’s code is over two-minute rounds, not the men’s. So why is a bout over two-minute rounds being deemed as a professional bout? It’s a disgrace. It’s an absolute… take.”
Despite Tyson’s relaxed approach towards these unconventional rules, Bellew remains concerned about the implications. “I know what Mike’s doing. Mike doesn’t give a… anymore, and I understand why he doesn’t give a… about his record, but how are you passing this?” Bellew remarked.
Health concerns have also been raised as Tyson prepares for the fight. He will need to pass brain and heart scans to be deemed fit to compete on July 20th. Nathan Howarth, Development and Operations Director at the Concussion Legacy Foundation UK, warned of the inherent risks associated with boxing, especially for an older fighter like Tyson. “Boxing has an inherent risk of concussion,” Howarth stated. “Then there’s an increased risk of traumatic brain injury we have seen like bleeds on the brain. It’s particularly important for someone like Mike Tyson who has had a long period of time in the sport anyway.”
The criticism from Bellew and others underscores a broader debate about the ethics and safety of such high-profile matches, particularly when involving retired legends and unconventional fighters like Paul. While fans eagerly await the spectacle, the controversy highlights the need for stringent regulations to ensure the health and legacy of the fighters are preserved.
As Tyson and Paul gear up for their bout, the boxing community will be watching closely to see how these issues are addressed and what impact the fight will have on the sport’s future.
