‘It’s an Outrage’ – Tony Bellew Blasts Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Fight Regulations as Duo Gears Up for Unconventional Professional Showdown
Tony Bellew is unimpressed that Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will fight two-minute rounds.
Paul and Tyson’s July 20 showdown has been sanctioned as a professional fight with the pair set to fight over eight two-minute rounds.
The format of two-minute periods is only traditionally used in the women’s professional ranks in sanctioned bouts.
And former world champion Bellew has ripped into the pair’s decision to compete in the reduced format this summer.
He told Ace Odds: “How the f*** has that been getting registered as a professional bout?
“It’s got 14-ounce gloves and you’re fighting two-minute rounds. What the f*** is going on?
“Who’s commissioned that and who’s approving that? That idiot Jake Paul just wants to be on Mike Tyson’s record. I mean, it is f*****g insane.
“I know what Mike’s doing. Mike doesn’t give a s*** anymore, and I understand why he doesn’t give a s*** about his record, but how are you passing this?
“Mike Tyson’s whole career has been fought over three-minute rounds. How is he allowing a two-minute round bout to go on his professional record?
“The women’s code is over two-minute rounds, not the men’s.
“So why is a bout over two-minute rounds being deemed as a professional bout? It’s a disgrace. It’s an absolute p*** take.”
Tyson claimed at a New York launch press conference with Paul that it was him who made the request to ensure the bout is all action.
It has come as a huge surprise that the fight will be sanctioned as a professional event, with the legend’s previous showdown with Roy Jones Jr in 2020 classified as an exhibition.
‘Iron Mike’ will of course have nowhere near the gas tank to throw his trademark power for longer bursts as he did in his heyday.
The veteran has posted training footage in short clips of his trademark power, but has faced medical warnings given he is eyeing a brutal war with Paul.
The ‘Problem Child’ is in his physical prime at the age of 26 and has even bulked up to 230lbs which will be his first fight as a heavyweight.
Paul has claimed he has put on weight in a bid to match Tyson’s physicality.
“Everything has been good but it’s been a little transition moving to heavyweight,” he told TMZ Sports.
“I definitely needed to put on weight so that I’m able to compete with Mike Tyson and so that he’s not able to throw me around in the ring.
“We’ve been sparring heavyweights and eating more food. Mike Tyson has called me fat but I believe fat will turn into muscle.
“And come fight night I believe I will be able to move and dance around the ring like a true heavyweight.”
