Jake Paul has proposed that his upcoming fight against Mike Tyson be made longer – despite insisting that he will wrap up the bout early on.
Legendary boxing star Tyson will return to the ring on November 15 in a professional heavyweight clash against YouTube sensation Paul.
At the moment, the showdown will see eight rounds lasting two minutes each. But Paul is happy to increase the length of each round, upping the ante in the ring with one of the biggest hitters in boxing history.
Speaking in New York at a tense press conference that nearly descended into chaos, Tyson told Paul: “Be in shape, be in good shape because your health depends on it.”
Paul immediately grabbed the mic and hit back: “You’re the one that wanted eight, two-minute rounds.
“Want to make it eight, threes? Don’t talk to me about shape.”
Tyson refused to acknowledge Paul’s request but did tell the 27-year-old – who is 31 years younger than him – to ‘be careful’.
Paul replied: “That’s the thing, everyone is all talk. I’ll do whatever, wherever, whenever, it’s all talk.
“Put it on the line. I’m stating facts, he’s s**t talking.”
Netflix have gained the broadcasting rights for Paul vs Tyson, which will take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The fight has been sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) and will go ahead with a modified rule set.
As well as having shortened rounds, the gloves that will be used will also be heavier – using 14oz instead of 10oz, which is what professional boxers usually wear.
According to Tyson, it was his idea to have shorter rounds, saying in May earlier this year: “I wanted shorter rounds for more action.
“If we have shorter rounds, we’ll fight more. More action.”
Garnering a reputation as one of the most powerful punchers of all time, the New York-born star claimed KO victories over Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks and Henry Tillman. However, Tyson has not fought a professional bout since June 2005, losing to Kevin McBride after retiring in the sixth round, though he did take on Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition clash in November 2020.
