Mike Tyson will come out of retirement to face Jake Paul in a professional boxing match, and the former heavyweight champion had a big say in the fight rules.
Mike Tyson made one rule demand to Jake Paul when agreeing to their fight (Image: GETTY)
Boxing enthusiasts were shocked when Mike Tyson announced his return to the ring to face Jake Paul, and many of them initially believed it would be an exhibition match. However, it’s now set as a professional fight, with Tyson insisting on “everything to be on the line” – and the elder fighter had a pivotal role in determining the rules of the bout.
Come July 20, either Tyson will notch another victory on his storied record, or Paul will boast a win over ‘Iron Mike’ in a sanctioned match. The decision to go pro adds an extra layer of excitement for fans, a move that Tyson was adamant about.
At their inaugural press conference in New York City, Paul disclosed that Tyson’s camp demanded a professional fight shortly after the ink dried on their contracts. “Weeks after the contract was signed we got a call from Mike’s team and they were like ‘Hey, he wants it to be a pro fight for sure. He wants to put it all on the line,'” Paul recounted on Monday. “So I respect Mike for that, and if he wanted that, I said ‘Let’s run it.'”
The official fight rules dictate a heavyweight clash with knockouts permitted, yet the rounds are limited to eight two-minute intervals. This specific format was championed by the 57-year-old and greenlit by Paul for its potential to ramp up the excitement.
Mike Tyson is feeling confident (Image: GETTY)
Fans have voiced concerns over Tyson’s stamina, given his seniority, despite his remarkable fitness. The abbreviated rounds are designed to foster a more dynamic and energy-packed spectacle, a move that Netflix is likely to appreciate.
When questioned at the press conference about any stipulations he insisted on regarding the rules, Tyson disclosed: “Shorter rounds because I wanted more action. We only have two minutes with the fight going.” Paul later commented: “It’s gonna be a firefight, more punches, it’s going to be a sprint so it’s going to be more entertaining for the viewers.”
In a notable change from regular professional bouts, Tyson and Paul will wear 14-ounce gloves instead of standard 10-ounce gear. While knockouts are allowed, should the fight reach its end, the result will rest upon the judges’ scorecards.
Tyson rarely contended full-length matches throughout his professional career, garnering 44 of his 50 victorious encounters via knockout. As a tremendous powerhouse known for not holding back, Tyson doesn’t seem to have lost any vigor in the training videos he’s posted on social media.
With the implementation of two-minute rounds, Tyson can freely strike without long delays between rounds, potentially making the match more challenging for Paul.
