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Mike Tyson might have an issue with the strict marijuana testing policy in Texas.
Last week, Tyson announced that he would be fighting Jake Paul at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas later this year.
According to MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani, Paul and Tyson are trying to get sanctioned in Texas as a pro fight and are still finalizing several minor details.
“They’re still working on a few important details based on the conversations I’ve had.” “Is it pro or is it 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.”
“I saw an interview with Derek Chisora where he said there would be headgear. I was told there’s absolutely no headgear involved. This is going to look like your typical boxing match. It’s just like, 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?”
Ariel Helwani says based on the conversations he's had,
– They want Tyson/Paul to be a pro bout, but that's up to the commission.
– It will be a heavyweight bout.
– Rounds still to be decided.
– There will be no head gear.#TheMMAHour pic.twitter.com/cpcEO1o57Y
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) March 11, 2024
Unfortunately for Tyson, who claims to smoke $40,000 worth of weed a month, marijuana is illegal in the state of Texas, and the Texas commission is very strict about testing, which has raised questions about the location of the fight.
The same state that suspended Keyshawn Davis for marijuana use late last year is going to regulate a Mike Tyson fight? Interesting.
— Keith Idec (@Idecboxing) March 7, 2024
No, but the commission could demand drug testing (PEDs & recreational).
— Keith Idec (@Idecboxing) March 7, 2024
The NY Sun’s George Willis reached out to the Texas commission, and they have stated that they will be testing for marijuana use whether or not the fight is an exhibition or a pro fight.
Via NY Sun
According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation’s website, it requires combative sports contestants to submit to periodic drug testing, “either before or after the bout” as directed by staff. The contestants are tested for a long list of substances including alcohol and Cannabinoids (marijuana).
The communications manager of the TDLR, Tela Goodwin Mange, confirmed that the drug testing policy applies whether it’s an exhibition or a sanctioned bout. “If you’re fighting in Texas you have to go by our rules whether it’s a professional fight or an exhibition,” Ms. Mange told the Sun.
It is worth noting that Paul fought heavy marijuana user Nate Diaz in Texas last year with no issues.
It’s still unclear whether or not the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will license a fight between the 57-year-old Tyson and the 27-year-old Paul.