Mike Tyson revealed the reason behind the shortened rounds in his upcoming fight with Jake Paul on July 20.
Unlike the traditional three-minute stanzas in professional boxing matches, their sanctioned meeting will have eight two-minute rounds, per Tyson’s request.
During a press conference to promote the fight – set to air on Netflix – Tyson, 57, shared why he asked for the rounds to be two-thirds of the usual duration.
‘I wanted the shorter rounds because I wanted more action,’ Tyson said. ‘If we only have two minutes, we’ll fight more.’
Plenty still question the fight as the boxing legend prepares to square up against the influencer-turned-boxer 30 years his junior. However, Tyson has shared clips of his preparation over the buildup and has shown glimpses of his past self.
Mike Tyson revealed asking for shorter rounds against Jake Paul to encourage more action
Sanctioned as a pro bout, Paul and Tyson’s fight on July 20 will have eight two-minute rounds
Iron Mike retired from boxing in 2005 and fought Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition match in 2020
Paul holds a 9-1 boxing record with wins over Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, and Nate Diaz
Having demanded stipulations to encourage action in the ring, Tyson insisted that his killer instinct transcends his age.
‘Once he’s in that ring, he has to fight like his life depends on it, because it will be,’ he added.
Tyson held a 50-6 professional record with 44 knockouts before retiring in 2005. Iron Mike returned to the ring in 2020 for an exhibition against Roy Jones Jr., during which Paul knocked former NBA star Nate Robinson in the co-main event.
With their showdown cemented, Tyson has become the biggest name in Paul’s list of high-profile opponents. Paul has been known for bringing athletes out of retirement to face them in the boxing ring, which has been the knock on him for most of his career.
Paul has faced the likes of Robinson, Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, and Nate Diaz- scoring wins against each one. His lone defeat came against Tommy Fury in 2023.
The Problem Child now holds a 9-1 boxing record and is coming off three straight wins, the last two being finishes. Paul will head into the fight fresh from a first-round knockout over Ryan Bourland on March 2.
