In a surprising turn of events, heavyweight boxing icon Mike Tyson’s bid to re-enter the professional ring at 57 for a clash with Jake Paul on July 20 has received a significant boost. Recent developments suggest a potential alteration in fight rules that could have game-changing implications.

Tyson, aged 57, is set to step back into the boxing arena against Paul, who is 27 years old, on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This matchup will take the spotlight as the main event of an eagerly anticipated card to be broadcast on Netflix. Additionally, the event will showcase a highly anticipated rematch for the undisputed super lightweight championship title between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. Their previous clash in 2022 resulted in a closely contested split decision victory for Taylor.

The nature of Tyson’s bout with Paul, whether it will be an exhibition or a professional fight, has not yet been definitively confirmed.

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Initially, doubts loomed over Tyson’s prospects due to his age, with concerns mounting as he approaches his 58th birthday just before the anticipated Netflix event. However, recent revelations indicate a glimmer of hope for the former champion.

When queried about the status of the upcoming Tyson vs. Paul event, Tela Mange, a representative from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, informed World Boxing News, “We still have not received a card from the promoter for that particular fight, so no decisions have been made yet about whether the Tyson vs. Paul event will be an exhibition or professional contest.”

Scot England, a 59-year-old Tennessee native who made his boxing debut as a welterweight late last year. Receiving his license from the Tennessee Athletic Commission, England stepped into the ring in Texas at the age of 58, mirroring Tyson’s situation.

This precedent sets a compelling argument for Tyson’s eligibility to participate in his 57th professional bout. Tyson, whose record stands at 50-6 for the past nineteen years, eyes a potentially historic showdown with Jake Paul, who is also licensed for what appears to be an exhibition match-up.

Despite England’s swift knockout defeat and subsequent suspension by the Tennessee board, the mere issuance of his license bodes well for Tyson’s aspirations. However, the final decision rests with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, pending submission of the promoter’s card for the Tyson vs. Paul event.

Adding further intrigue to the event, the card features Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2 as the co-feature, potentially bolstering Tyson’s case before the board. While confirmation on the Taylor vs. Serrano rematch is pending review, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Tyson’s much-anticipated return to the ring.

Although recent boxing events, including Ryan Garcia’s upset victory over Devin Haney, briefly diverted attention, Tyson’s comeback remains a focal point in the sport. With upcoming bouts such as Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia and Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk on the horizon, Tyson vs. Paul is poised to reclaim the spotlight when the fight nears.