Is there a rematch clause for Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson?
ALL-TIME great and former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is stepping back into the ring to face YouTube pretender Jake Paul.
The two go toe-to-toe on November 15, 2024 — but is there a rematch clause?
Is there a rematch clause for Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson?
It’s a classic battle of age versus youth — Iron Mike‘s experience and raw talent coming up against the Problem Child‘s youth and self-belief.
The fight was postponed in May 2024 when the former world champion suffered a medical emergency on board a flight this week as a result of an ulcer flare-up.
As of November 8, 2024, details of the fighters’ contracts have not been fully disclosed.
Neither the fighters nor their representatives have mentioned anything specific about a rematch clause.
Therefore it is currently unknown whether one is in place for the eagerly anticipated showdown.
While there’s no confirmed rematch clause, several factors could influence the possibility of a second fight:
- Outcome: If the fight is competitive or ends controversially, there might be public demand for a rematch
- Financial success: Given the high-profile nature of this event, if it proves to be a significant financial success both parties might be interested in a rematch regardless of the outcome
- Fighters’ health: Tyson’s health and willingness to continue fighting at his age (he’ll be 58 at the time of the fight) could be a determining factor in any rematch discussions
- Contractual obligations: While no rematch clause has been mentioned, it’s not uncommon for such clauses to exist in high-profile boxing matches — they are typically announced or leaked before the fight, however
- Netflix’s influence: As the fight will be shown on the streaming platform, its interest in a potential rematch could play a role in any future negotiations
It’s worth noting that rematch clauses are more common in title fights or fights between evenly matched opponents.
Should Tyson fancy a rematch, he may have to wait a while.
Paul told streamer Adin Ross: “I feel like I’m gonna take a little break. I’m gonna pull an Adin Ross and just disappear, man. I’m just gonna go off-grid.
“I’m gonna keep fighting for sure. But I think my plan is to just get through November 15, have the best performance possible, knock Mike Tyson out and then just see how I’m feeling based off of that.”
What Mike Tyson has said
When the fight was first announced in March, Tyson said: “I’m very much looking forward to stepping into the ring with Jake Paul.
“He’s grown significantly as a boxer over the years, so it will be a lot of fun to see what the will and ambition of a ‘kid’ can do with the experience and aptitude of a GOAT.”
In relation to the prospect of another fight, Tyson told a press conference in May: “Hey, this has been pretty fun. Maybe we’ll do it again, yeah.”
He didn’t mention any names in particular, adding: “Can I take care of Jake first, please?”
What Jake Paul has said
In March, Paul said: “The biggest fight of the 21st century, in the biggest NFL stadium in the US, broadcast live on the biggest streaming platform in the world…
“My sights are set on becoming a world champion, and now I have a chance to prove myself against the greatest heavyweight champion of the world, the baddest man on the planet and the most dangerous boxer of all time.
“Time to put Iron Mike to sleep.”
In the documentary Countdown: Paul vs Tyson, The Problem Child said: “When I received the news that he was out and not able to fight, I was just numb.
“I was just like, ‘f***…’ I’m the type of person who likes a schedule and likes to know what I’m doing.
“This just threw a wrench in all of that. There was nothing I could do, it was out of my control.
“Nobody can tell Mike Tyson what to do, and if he wants to fight me, of course I’m going to say yes.
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime to fight one of the two most famous boxers to ever live – Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson.
“I look at Mike Tyson as a killer, so I never really expected something like this.”
Big fight predictions
Tyson Fury has every faith his namesake will shock the world and teach Paul a lesson.
The Gypsy King said: “Listen, if Mike Tyson hits anybody, I don’t care if he’s 90, he’s gonna knock them out cold, in’t he?
“Obviously I have to back Mike Tyson. I’m named after the legend and I’ll back him.
“As he always backs me I’m backing Mike for the knockout. Come on, Mike!”
Former WBC interim lightweight champ Ryan Garcia concurs.
He said: “I love you, Mike.
“You look good. I’m going to your fight, I’ll be there.
“I’m with you in everything, remember that, always in spirit. I got you. Love you, Mike.”
WWE legend Hulk Hogan is backing Tyson as well — he also believes it will be the ‘fight of the century’.
He told TMZ: “When he gets focused, he will seek and destroy.
“I see that bad dog look in his eye now. It’s like when you don’t trust a bad dog, it might bite ya at any time.
“That’s the look he’s got. I remember that look from 25 years ago, it’s kind of scary.”
Hogan added: “I’m excited about it. I’m kind of glad it’s rescheduled because I don’t want any excuses. I want both men at 100 per cent .
“And I’ve got a feeling this is gonna be the fight of the century, brothers. This is gonna be a good one.”
While former two-time unified heavyweight champ Antony Joshua disagrees.
He told The Jonathan Ross Show: “He’s [Tyson] older now. I pray that he comes out healthy.
“I think Jake Paul because of youth – that’s the only thing.”
In April 2024, during a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, Tyson’s coach Rafael Cordeiro said: “I believe we don’t have to be concerned about it.
“We’re talking about a two-time world champion. The guy didn’t have 20 fights in two years, he knows how to fight.
“He’s fought against the best guys in the world. When he steps inside the ring he knows what to do.
“It’s not something new for Mike, and this fight is no different.
“He works hard every single day to go in there and try to knock Jake out from the beginning to the end.
“This is his style, nobody has taught Mike Tyson how to fight. He’s going to prove that in July.
“You can see fire in his eyes when he trains, and he will never give less than that.
“I truly believe it is going to be a great show.”
Fight night rules
The bout between Paul and Tyson has been sanctioned as a professional contest by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR).
This means that the fight will count on both boxers’ official records, a detail that was reportedly requested by Tyson himself.
The fight is set to take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, home of the Dallas Cowboys.
The fight will follow these rules:
- Eight two-minute rounds
- 14-ounce gloves will be used (heavier than the standard 12-ounce gloves for heavyweight bouts)
- No headgear will be worn
- Knockouts are allowed
- A winner will be announced after eight rounds, unless there is a stoppage