Mike Tyson made an unusual request for regulation in the fight against Jake Paul

Mike Tyson requested a rule change for his controversial fight against Jake Paul that was approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.

Tyson is just days away from resuming his legendary professional boxing career as he faces Paul in a heavyweight clash on Friday.

It will be his first professional fight since his shock loss to Ireland's Kevin McBride almost 20 years ago.

Although Paul-Tyson is a professional fight, it will take place over eight two-minute rounds instead of the traditional three-minute rounds.

Iron Mike himself submitted this request to the local commission.

He believes the shorter rounds will aim for more action, making for a more entertaining matchup.

“I wanted shorter rounds for more shares. If we have shorter rounds, we will fight more. More shares," he stated when asked why he wanted to modify the rules.

Regarding the rule request, Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, added: "It was Tyson's choice, not that Jake didn't want to make it a sanctioned fight."

"We were bringing Mike Tyson back into the sport and I believe it made more sense as a professional fight."

The two-minute rounds may favor Tyson over Paul as the shorter rounds may be easier to handle following the medical scare he suffered that pushed back their summer date. /Telegraph/