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New York State has banned betting on the much-anticipated boxing match between former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The fight is set to take place tonight at AT&T Stadium in Texas. The New York State Gaming Commission has prohibited wagering on the bout due to its non-traditional rules, including two-minute rounds instead of the standard three minutes, and the use of 14-ounce gloves instead of the usual 10-ounce ones.
According to the New York Post, New York is one of seven states that have banned betting on the fight. The commission stated that boxing matches approved for wagering in New York must follow Unified Rules as set by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports.
Despite the ban, there is significant interest in the fight, which marks Tyson's first match in 19 years. BetMGM had previously predicted that the bout would be the most bet-on fight in its history. However, due to deviations from standard operating procedures for boxing matches, some states have chosen to stay away.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations sanctioned the fight as an official heavyweight bout in April, with the match consisting of eight two-minute rounds and the boxers using 14-ounce gloves. Championship boxing matches usually consist of 12 three-minute rounds, with heavyweight fights in Texas assigned 10-ounce gloves, as per the regulations.