Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson is looking increasingly likely to be a professional fight.

The ex-Disney star will square off against Tyson on July 20 at the AT&T Stadium in Texas in a crossover clash which Netflix will broadcast live.

It was initially anticipated that Paul vs Tyson would be an exhibition bout but according to MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, the organisers are looking at getting it sanctioned as a pro bout under the auspices of the Texas Boxing Commission.

“They’re still working on a few important details based on the conversations I’ve had,” Helwani stated on The MMA Hour.

“Is it pro or is it an exhibition? They want pro, but that’s up to the Texas commission, we’ll have to wait and see. Weight? I’m told heavyweight. Rounds? I’m working on that as well.”

Derek Chisora, who is not involved in the fight in any capacity, recently came out and declared that it will take place in 18oz gloves and headgear.

“I know for a fact they are using 18oz gloves and headguards if I’m not mistaken,” Chisora told Seconds Out.

Helwani, though, insists this is not the case. “I was told there’s absolutely no headgear involved. This is going to look like your typical boxing match.

“It’s just like, an exhibition like Mike’s last fight was against Roy Jones in November 2020? Or is it just going to be a normal, pro-heavyweight fight that has no strings attached in that regard?”

This was then confirmed by Paul’s business partner Nakisa Bidarian, who posted on Instagram: “Unequivocally there is no headgear for Paul vs Tyson.

“Haters spreading fake news, but it won’t stop the tens of millions of views.”

It is unlikely a reputable boxing commission will sanction a fight between an ageing Tyson and a man 31 years his junior.

By the time ‘Iron Mike’ steps into the ring he will have just celebrated his 58th birthday while Paul is in his athletic prime at 27.

The last time Tyson took part in an exhibition contest it was in 2020 when he duked it out with fellow boxing legend Jones Jr.

Even though the age gap was far less significant there were still serious concerns about the potential health implications involved in the fight.

Those concerns are far greater ahead of Paul vs Tyson.

UFC CEO Dana White isn’t keen on it, while talkBOXING host Spencer Oliver expressed his concern.

“I’m scared about it to be honest,” he told co-host Simon Jordan. “You look at the bad health he has been in recently, we’ve seen him on crutches and I think the kid from the Disney Channel is going to knock out Mike Tyson.”