Roy Jones Jr. highlights the rule change between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson that could help the boxing legend score a surprise win

The former undisputed heavyweight world champion will fight professionally for the first time since being hired as a journeyman in 2005.

At 58, he is confident he can turn back the years against a man three decades his junior and Roy Jones Jr. agrees, although concern among mass fans is high over the controversial fight.

Roy Jones Jr. insists the rule change favors Mike Tyson

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has sanctioned Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson as a professional heavyweight bout – but they will fight under a modified set of rules.

Paul and Tyson will wear 14-ounce gloves instead of the 10-ounce gloves professionals typically wear, which should limit the impact of their punches and reduce the likelihood of a knockout.

The two men also box over eight two-minute rounds, as opposed to the traditional three-minute rounds common in boxing matches.

Jones Jr., who famously fought Tyson in an exhibition bout in 2020, believes the rule changes favor the older man, who he says still has a lot left in the tank.

“That’s the real question: how long can Jake survive?” Jones Jr told talkSPORT. “That’s the real question because Mike has what it takes to get someone out of there.

“And I'll tell you this: When I boxed him four years ago, it was only two-minute rounds, but surprisingly he didn't refuse, he stayed the same the whole fight.

“And that surprised me. When they do two-minute laps, Mike doesn’t get tired, I already know that from watching him do it.”

Roy Jones Jr. predicts Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson will end in an upset

Jones Jr. has made his official prediction for Paul vs. Tyson.

The former four-weight world champion believes Tyson will be able to avoid Paul's heavy punches that have knocked out MMA stars Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley and Mike Perry.

Ultimately, he sees Tyson doing his job with the jury's help.

Jones Jr. added: “Well, I like Mike, probably because of my decision. But if he decides to go out and get him out, I think he can do it.

“However, I feel like when he feels comfortable he will just box and have fun because why would he get in shape for a round…

“I’m not afraid for Mike and his age. Mike is still hard to hit and Mike still hits hard as hell.”

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