Former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, Mike Tyson, has previously expressed his disdain for fighting over eight two-minute rounds. However, as the 58-year-old wraps up his training for his upcoming clash with YouTube star turned boxer Jake Paul this Saturday morning, he will have to contend with exactly that.
In an unusual twist for professional boxing, the bout between the veteran “Iron Mike” and the influencer Paul is set to unfold over eight two-minute rounds rather than the conventional three-minute ones. This special arrangement has been greenlit by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, and the fighters will enter the ring wearing heavy 14-ounce gloves, diverging from the lighter gloves typically used.
“Iron Mike”, a titan of the sport, is poised to make a dramatic comeback after almost twenty years away from professional fights, having last faced Kevin McBride in defeat. But Tyson is no stranger to the ring, even recently; he fought Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition match just four years prior.
That November 2020 bout in LA saw the veterans also duke it out over the now familiar eight two-minute rounds, mirroring the setup for his impending battle against Paul.
Tyson, frank and perhaps somewhat discontented with the fight’s structure, remarked before the bout: “I’m sure they had their reasons but the women fight two minutes,” declaiming his preference for the typical format. Despite his reservations, he conceded the broader implications: “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 expressed his dissatisfaction, stating: “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.”
Despite Paul challenging Tyson to a 10-round match with three-minute rounds, the rules remain unchanged. Jones Jr believes that the shorter rounds will favour Tyson in their upcoming Friday fight.
In an interview with MMANYTT, he recalled: “When I boxed him four years ago, we did two-minute rounds, and, surprisingly, he didn’t lose energy; he kept the same pace.”
He also shared his prediction for the fight, dismissing concerns about Paul’s age and asserting Tyson’s ability to win. “I believe in Mike, likely via decision. But if he wants to finish it, he can. Yet, if he’s just looking to enjoy the fight, he might take it slow and have some fun,” he added.
