Former undisputed heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson has previously hit out at having to fight over eight two-minute rounds.
The 58-year-old is in the final stages of his training camp as he prepares to take on YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on Friday night. The fight will see both Paul and Tyson go toe-to-toe in a professional showdown in an eight two-minute round format – as opposed to the more standard three-minute rounds.
The sanctioned fight has already been approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Both boxers will wear 14-ounce gloves, heavier than the standard gloves.
‘Iron Mike’ will be making a sensational return to the ring this week and the boxing veteran has not fought a professional bout since losing to Kevin McBride nearly two decades ago. He did, however, take on Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition contest four years ago.
In the exhibition fight – which took place in Los Angeles in November 2020 – both Tyson and Jones Jr met over eight two-minute rounds – the same format as Tyson’s upcoming fight with Paul.
Speaking ahead of the fight, ‘Iron Mike’ was left unimpressed by the official fight rules. “I’m sure they had their reasons but the women fight two minutes,” he said. “But this is bigger than me, it’s not all about me, so who am I to talk. I’m just happy that we’re doing it.”
Jones Jr added: “I’m not happy at all, that’s for women. Why would I want two minute rounds? We’re not women, we’re two of the best to ever do it. Why cut it to two minutes, it doesn’t do anything for him or for me; it cheats the fans who are excited. It was advantageous for everybody to keep it to three minutes.”
Ahead of the upcoming heavyweight dust-up, Paul had dared his legendary opponent to take him on over 10 three-minute rounds after public demands, but the rules will not be changed. With the rules now set in stone ahead of the dust-up this Friday, Tyson’s last opponent – Jones Jr – believes that it will benefit the 58-year-old.
Jones Jr believes the shorter rounds will help Tyson’s endurance.In an interview with MMANYTT, he said: When I boxed him four years ago, we did two-minute rounds, and, surprisingly, he didnt lose energy; he kept the same pace.”
In the same interview, Jones Jr gave his official prediction for the upcoming contest. While many believe that Paul’s age will prove to be a big factor, the boxing veteran insists Tyson is fully capable of getting the job done in Texas. I believe in Mike, likely via decision. But if he wants to finish it, he can. Yet, if hes just looking to enjoy the fight, he might take it slow and have some fun,” he added.