No pressure
Mike Tyson’s fight against Jake Paul will be cancelled if he fails to pass a series of specific tests before the bout.
Iron Mike will go up against the YouTuber-turned-Boxer in Arlington, Texas on July 20 and is expected to be one of the most-watched fights of the year.
Both have been training hard behind the scenes but for Tyson, in order to fight, he will have to prove he is capable of doing so.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR), who have control over the fight’s regulations due to it taking place in Texas, state that: “A person aged 36 or older applying for a contestant’s license must submit a report of favourable physical testing conducted within the previous 12 months, including but not limited to an EEG (electroencephalography) and an EKG (electrocardiogram).”
Given that Tyson will be 58 by the time the fight comes round, he will definitely need to pass the test.
Why does Tyson need to take these tests and what happens if he fails?
Although the boxing legend is still in good shape, these tests are conducted to ensure that fighters – especially towards the end of their careers – can remain as safe as possible.
An EEG will help to evaluate any brain disorders, while the EKG evaluates heart disorders and will stop anyone with a pre-medical condition from entering the ring which could see them them at an increased risk of serious harm during a fight.
If he were to fail these tests then the likelihood is that the bout would be called off. Tyson could appeal the decision if the TDLR choose not to give him a license, but there would still be no obligation to allow it go ahead as planned.
The TDLR’s combative sports regulations say: “The applicant may request an administrative hearing if the executive director determines the physical testing results are not favourable in any way and fails to issue a license for that reason.”
Related links:
- Fans have been fooled by Mike Tyson training videos, British boxer claims
- Jake Paul wants to see how hard Mike Tyson hits
- Footage of Mike Tyson shows that Jake Paul should be incredibly scared
