12 March 2024 , 14:29
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Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will not be wearing headgear when they meet in a mega-fight this summer.
Boxing legend Tyson is fighting for the first time in over three years when he faces YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul on July 20 in Arlington, Texas. It's unclear if the fight will be professionally sanctioned or will go ahead as an exhibition bout, but Paul's Most Valuable Promotions business partner Nakisa Bidarian has slammed a rumour that both men will be wearing headgear.
"Unequivocally there is no headgear for Paul vs Tyson, haters spreading fake news but it won't stop the 10's of millions of views," Bidarian wrote on Instagram. Paul hasn't fought in headgear since his white-collar debut against fellow internet celebrity Deji in 2018, which he won by knockout.
(Netflix)Paul vs Tyson is being targeted to be an officially sanctioned professional fight, according to MMA reporter Ariel Helwani, but the Texas Commission will have the final say on the matter. If the fight goes ahead as an exhibition, it will be similar to Tyson's last outing against fellow boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020.
Paul fought for the second time as a professional on the undercard of that event when he brutally KO'd NBA star Nate Robinson. There is a massive 30-year age gap between Paul and Tyson and their fight will be aired live on Netflix, marking the streaming giant's first venture into live combat sports.
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"It’s crazy to think that in my second pro fight, I went viral for knocking out Nate Robinson on Mike Tyson’s undercard. Now, less than four years later, I’m stepping up to face Tyson myself My sights are set on becoming a world champion, and now I have a chance to prove myself against the greatest heavyweight champion ever, the baddest man on the planet," Paul said.
Paul has faced heavy criticism since ditching his internet fame for a career in the ring, but Tyson has been impressed by his soon-to-be-opponent's boxing career so far. “I'm very much looking forward to stepping into the ring with Jake Paul. He's grown significantly as a boxer over the years. It will be a lot of fun to see what the will and ambition of a 'kid' can do with the experience and aptitude of a GOAT." Tyson said.