Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fight hit with betting ban ahead of controversial boxing showdown

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Mike Tyson and Jake Paul will finally face off in their huge crossover fight next weekend - but not every punter will be allowed to have a flutter on the event.

The former undisputed heavyweight champion takes on Youtube star-turned boxer Paul, 27, at the sold out AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 15, while millions of fans around the world will tune into the bout live on Netflix. The contest was originally due to take place back in July but had to be postponed after Tyson, 58 suffered a health scare whilst on-board a flight.

And with a startling 31-year age gap between the two fighters, several states in the US have forbid betting on the event. The fight - which has widely been condemned in boxing circles - will be staged over eight two-minute rounds as opposed to the traditional three minute rounds, with both boxers also wearing 14-ounce gloves instead of the usual 10-ounce mitts.

The bout is however under the umbrella of full, professional rules, with the outcome of the contest going down on both fighters records, which wasn't the case when Tyson took on former four-weight world champion Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition match back in November 2020. However, several states including the New York state gambling commission believe that the fight is nothing more than an exhibition and have questioned whether ageing star Tyson can still be classified as a professional boxer.

They told USA Today: "Generally, exhibition events and those featuring non-professional athletes are not permitted." Colorado's state commission have also voiced similar concerns, stating: "Our requirements that have not been met include, but are not limited to, glove weight and that not all fighters are professionally ranked."

Their counterparts in Vermont agreed, calling the rule changes "a sticking point" for betting to be allowed. Louisiana also followed suit, pointing to the fights "non-traditional rules" as their reason for the ban.

Betting on the showdown has also been banned in Pennsylvania. The state already has history with refusing bets on controversial fights, having closed up it's books for the crossover bout between ex UFC star Vitor Belfort and former heavyweight world champion Evander Holyfield in 2021, where the latter was knocked out in the first round at the age of 58.

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