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- Mike Tyson must pass an EEG and electrocardiogram test, per TDLR regulations for fighters over the age of 36.
- The safety of combatants is of paramount importance and regulations are in place to prevent serious harm.
- The final decision on Tyson's participation will be made by TDLR, but the fight could continue if he fails the test.
The Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight on July 20 will be one of the most-attended fights of 2024. However, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is in charge of regulating the matches as they take place. Texas can throw a spanner in the works.
The TDLR martial arts rules state: “A person 36 years of age or older applying for an athlete's license must have a good physical examination conducted within the past 12 months, including but not limited to an EEG (electroencephalogram) and an EKG (electrocardiogram).” ). ”
The fight is scheduled to take place a month after Tyson turns 58, so Tyson is definitely over the 36-year-old age mark. This means he will need to submit EEG and EKG results to TDLR in order to step into the ring in Arlington.
What tests does Mike Tyson have to take?
These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of players, especially those nearing the end of their careers. EEG evaluates for brain damage and EKG evaluates for heart damage. This will ensure that athletes with pre-existing conditions that could put them at increased risk of serious harm during a match are not allowed in the ring.
The final decision will be made by TDLR Interim Executive Director Brian E. Francis. TDRL communications manager Tera Manzi also said additional tests could be requested, but given Tyson's age, that's not too surprising. This restriction was introduced for fighters who are slightly over the age limit of 36, and does not necessarily apply to fighters over 60.
The Martial Arts Advisory Committee will also preside over this position. The Board of Directors has nine members, each serving a six-year term, and includes four physicians, two martial arts representatives, a martial arts judge or judge, former competitors, and members of the general public.
If Mike Tyson fails, will the fight be called off?
So if Tyson fails the test, will the fight be called off? It's not that simple. The TDLR's martial arts regulations state: “If the Secretary-General determines that the results of the physical examination are unfavorable in any way and does not issue a license for that reason, the applicant may request an administrative hearing.”
Essentially, it is possible to appeal this decision, but there is no guarantee that the fight will proceed.
Comparing training footage of Mike Tyson and Jake Paul
Problem Child and Iron Mike are working hard to prepare for their match in July, but the video comparison between the two is pretty damning.
There is already tension between the two sides and TDRL, with both Tyson and Paul calling for the fight to be a professional fight rather than an exhibition. The main differences between the two are that in exhibitions, the pro wears 16-ounce gloves instead of his 10-ounce gloves, and his rounds last two minutes instead of his three. Additionally, there are no official judges to score the matches.
|
Jake Paul and Mike Tyson's professional records |
||
|---|---|---|
|
jake paul |
mike tyson |
|
|
fight |
Ten |
58 |
|
victory |
9 |
50 |
|
loss |
1 |
6 |
|
There is no contest |
0 |
2 |
The match is expected to be a hugely popular event and could potentially set viewership records. The fight will be held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which also hosted the Canelo Alvarez vs. Billy Joe Saunders fight in 2021. The audience for that game was 73,126. The stadium, normally home to the Dallas Cowboys, can seat 80,000 people. Tyson vs. Paul will also be the first fight to be streamed on Netflix, available to all members of the streaming service.
Key statistics are obtained from BoxRec.
