MIKE TYSON and Roy Jones Jr have been told NOT to try and knock each other out – despite no judges scoring the exhibition bout.
The pair box over eight rounds in September 12, marking the first time Tyson has fought in 15 years.
But the California State Athletic Commission, who have sanctioned the exhibition, insisted neither should be looking to win by KO.
Commission executive director Andy Foster told Boxing Scene: “We can’t mislead the public as to this is some kind of real fight.
“They can get into it a little bit, but I don’t want people to get hurt. They know the deal.
“It’s an exhibition. They can exhibit their boxing skills, but I don’t want them using their best efforts to hurt each other.
“They’re going to spar hard, but they shouldn’t be going for a knockout. This isn’t a record-book type of fight.
“This is not world-championship boxing right now. It’s not what this is. People shouldn’t be getting knocked out.
“The public can see what kind of shape Roy and Mike are still in.”
Tyson, 54, and Jones, 51, will not box with head guards on, but will wear 12oz gloves, instead of the regular 10oz.
The pair were briefed on the rules over Zoom call, with social media app Triller later paying a reported £40million to exclusively stream the fight.
Despite being urged to avoid KOs, without judges only a stoppage will guarantee a winner.
Should either get cut, the fight will be immediately stopped.
Foster said: “All of our rules are going to be followed. It’s going to look like a boxing match.
Exhibitions like this happen sometimes. They can move around and make some money.
“I told them, ‘You get cut, it’s over.’ We’ll be reasonable.”
