Mike Tyson and Jake Paul fight rules blasted as 'insane' ahead of brain scans
While fans are looking forward to watching Mike Tyson and Jake Paul clash this summer, Tony Bellew has taken issue with the rules.
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul have been slammed for their anticipated upcoming bout receiving professional status. Former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew is furious with the decision as he fears for Tyson’s legacy ahead of facing the social media star.
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Tyson, the heavyweight titan, and Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer, are set to clash in the ring at the colossal 80,000-capacity Dallas Cowboys stadium in Texas this summer. The fight will be Tyson's first professional bout in nearly 20 years, having last fought Kevin McBride in 2005 before bowing out of the ring.
Earlier this week, Tyson experienced a scare when an ulcer flare-up left him feeling faint and nauseated during a flight. However, the 57-year-old confirmed his recovery, stating he is "doing great".
English boxing veteran Bellew has heavily criticised the approval of the bout set to take place under peculiar conditions saying: “How the... has that been getting registered as a professional bout?”
Complaining about the arrangements for the controversial duel, Bellew told Ace Odds: "It's got 14-ounce gloves and you're fighting two-minute rounds. What the... is going on? Who's commissioned that and who's approving that? That idiot Jake Paul just wants to be on Mike Tyson's record. I mean, it is... insane.”
Bellew highlighted Tyson's laid-back attitude towards the odd rules: “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 expressed his concern over regulations stretching the norms even further remarking: “Mike Tyson's whole career has been fought over three-minute rounds. How is he allowing a two-minute round bout to go on his professional record? 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.”
Tyson will have to pass brain and heart scans to be eligible to fight on 20th July against Paul, and the 57-year-old has been warned of the potential risks, including brain injury.
Nathan Howarth, Development and Operations Director at the Concussion Legacy Foundation UK, expressed his concerns to Betway: “Boxing has an inherent risk of concussion.
“Then there's an increased risk of traumatic brain injury we have seen like bleeds on the brain. I'm not saying there is any evidence that as an older fighter, Mike would be at risk of that, however, we do know the impacts of subclinical concussions. It's particularly important for someone like Mike Tyson who has had a long period of time in the sport anyway.”
