by Oscar Cabrero/ Boxing Contributor

The much-anticipated boxing match between former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and YouTube star turned boxer Jake Paul has been officially sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. This bout, set to consist of eight two-minute rounds, marks a significant moment as it pairs a legendary figure in boxing against a new-era celebrity fighter in a professionally recognized contest.

“Mike Tyson and Jake Paul both desired a legitimate and decisive professional match,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, in a statement to ESPN’s Andreas Hale. The organizers worked diligently over six weeks to meet the stringent requirements laid out by the TDLR, culminating in this groundbreaking approval. The modified round length aims to level the playing field, potentially easing the stamina demands on Tyson while offering a structured platform for Paul to prove his mettle against one of the sport’s icons.