Roy Jones Jr insists the shorter rounds for Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson will only serve to benefit the boxing icon.
Paul and Tyson are set to step into the ring together on November 15 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Given the staggering 31-year age gap between the pair, it was initially expected that both men would square off in an exhibition bout.
However, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has since sanctioned it as a professional heavyweight bout under their auspices.
Although the fight will take place in the paid ranks it is being competed under a modified rule set.
Paul and Tyson will duke it out in 14oz gloves instead of the 10oz mitts pros usually wear while they will box over eight, two-minute rounds rather than the traditional three minutes.
Tyson requested for the rounds to be shortened to allow for ‘more action’.
And at 58 years old it will help even the playing field as he gears up to face a 27-year-old in his physical prime.
Jones Jr boxed Tyson over eight two-minute rounds in 2020 and knows from first-hand experience that ‘Iron Mike’ can maintain his pace over the duration, which is bad news for Paul.
“That’s the real question, how much can Jake survive?” Jones Jr told talkSPORT Drive on Friday afternoon.
“That’s the real question because Mike has what it takes to get anyone out of there.
“And I’m going to tell you this, when I boxed him four years ago it was only two-minute rounds but surprisingly he didn’t decline, he stayed the same the whole fight.
“And that surprised me. If they are doing two-minute rounds then Mike is not going to tire out, I already know that because I watched him do that.”
Jones Jr is so confident Tyson will be able to conserve his energy over eight two-minute rounds that he is backing his old pal to win the fight on points.
“Well, I like Mike, probably by decision,” he added. “But if he chooses to go out and take him out, I think he can.
“However, I feel like if he feels comfortable he will just box and enjoy himself because why get in shape to go one round…
“I don’t fear for Mike and how old he is. Mike is still hard to hit and Mike still hits hard as hell.”
