Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul could be cancelled if 'Iron Mike' fails unusual test as fight rules emerge

Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul could be cancelled if the legendary boxer fails an unusual test written into the fight rules.

Some of the rules for Mike Tyson's blockbuster fight with Jake Paul this summer have finally emerged.

Earlier this month the boxing world was rocked by the announcement that former heavyweight world champion Tyson will take on YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul on July 20 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Paul has come under criticism from all sides for taking the fight, with critics voicing concerns over the age difference between the two men.

Mike Tyson will be 58 years old by the time he steps into the ring, 31 years older than Paul.

Tyson retired from professional boxing in 2005, and last fought in 2020 when he drew an exhibition fight against Roy Jones Jr.

Bother fighters are understood to want the bout to be classed as a professional fight rather than an exhibition, but the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations [TDLR] will have the final say.

The TDLR will also conduct a series of unusual tests that, if 'Iron Mike' fails, could result in the fight being cancelled.

Speaking to USA Today Sports, TDLR communications manager Tela Mange explained that fighters over the age of 36 must submit favourable results from an electroencephalogram (EEG) and an electrocardiogram (EKG).

Mike Tyson- Getty

An EEG is used to evaluate brain disorders whilst an EKG is used to detect heart problems.

"We can also request additional testing if we think it’s appropriate," Mange said.

Even if the tests are passed, the TDLR could classify the fight as an exhibition.

If that's the case then Paul and Tyson will wear 16-ounce boxing gloves instead of the traditional 10-ounce gloves used in pro fights.

Each round would last two-minutes rather than three, while no official judges would score the fight.

Those rules - apart from the glove weight - were implemented when Tyson met Roy Jones Jr in 2020.

Paul fought on the undercard of that event, knocking out NBA star Nate Robinson.

Topics: Boxing, Jake Paul, Mike Tyson, Spotlight

Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton is a Sports Trends Writer at SPORTbible. He has previously worked with publications including the Manchester Evening News, GOAL and BBC Sport. He is a football fanatic, but also dabbles in tennis and American football. He enjoys running, cooking and watching non-league football.

@alex_brotherton