Jake Paul is no stranger to the referee for his clash with Mike Tyson – as the official set to be the third man in the ring is revealed

Jake Paul is no stranger to the referee who is set to officiate his highly-anticipated clash with Mike Tyson on Friday.

The social media star turned prizefighter is set to go in search of his 11th professional win as a boxer when he takes on the former undisputed heavyweight champion at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Broadcast worldwide on Netflix in a first for the streaming platform, the clash will mark Tyson’s long-awaited return to the ring, nearly two decades after his last professional bout, a shock defeat to Irish journeyman Kevin McBride in 2005.

Despite being 31 years older than Paul, Tyson represents the most accomplished boxer the 27-year-old has faced in his burgeoning career.

Since making his debut in 2020, The Problem Child has picked up wins over a number of notable names from the world of MMA inside the ring.

In August of last year, Paul defeated former UFC title challenger Nate Diaz in Dallas, with veteran referee Mark Calo-oy the third man inside the ring.

64-year-old Mark Calo-oy took charge of Paul’s victory over UFC legend Nate Diaz last year

Paul vs Tyson will be contested over eight two-minute rounds from the AT&T in Texas

The 64-year-old was forced to intervene during that fight, as the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blackbelt Diaz locked in a standing guillotine choke during the closing stages of the final round before Calo-oy quickly stepped in.

Calo-oy is set to reprise his role as referee in Friday’s clash, which is set to be overseen by the Texas Athletic Commission.

Unlike standard headline bouts, Paul vs Tyson will be contested over eight rounds, each comprising of two minutes. 

The two combatants will also wear 14oz gloves, rather than the heavyweight standard 10oz.

However, the clash will be officially sanctioned, with knockouts permitted, judges ringside scoring the action and the result appearing on both fighters’ professional records.

Paul and Tyson hit the scales on Thursday in their final meeting before the pair face off inside the ring.

They met in the customary face-off after the weigh in, with Tyson shocking onlookers by slapping the YouTuber.

He later explained his behaviour, claiming that he was provoked after Paul stepped on his toe when they went face to face.