Mike Tyson made a rule request for his fight against Jake Paul which was approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.

Tyson will return to the professional ranks when he meets Paul on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The former world heavyweight champion and the 9-1 YouTuber-turned-fighter faced off at a launch press conference in New York on Monday and fans think the fight is already done.

Tyson also took part in a promo shoot for Most Valuable Promotions, where fans spotted a bizarre detail.

After Thursday’s pre-fight presser in Dallas, Tyson and Paul will focus on their respective training camps ahead of fight night.

The pro bout will be contested over eight two-minute rounds, with both fighters set to wear 14oz gloves.

And ‘Iron’ Mike requested two-minute rounds to the board, which was approved by the Texas commission.

Why? Well, he believes shorter rounds will command more action, making it a more entertaining fight.

“I wanted shorter rounds for more action. If we have shorter rounds, we’ll fight more. More action,” he said when asked why he wanted to modify the rules.

Mike Tyson and Jake Paul go head-to-head. Image: Getty
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul go head-to-head. Image: Getty

Tyson’s fight against Paul will be his first pro bout since 2005 when he suffered a shock defeat to Ireland’s Kevin McBride.

And he claims it was a ‘no-brainer’ accepting Paul’s challenge.

“It was a no-brainer,” he said. “He was a new up and coming guy on the scene, and I like shaking the sports world to its core and I’m doing it now. It’s just something I want to do.”

That’s despite there being a 31-year age difference when they meet inside the ring.

On the age difference, he said: “I’m beautiful. That’s all I can say…”

Asked whether the goal is to stop Paul, he replied: “Once he’s in that ring, he has to fight like his life depends on it, because it will be.”