Mike Tyson made unusual rule request for Jake Paul fight that was approved by Texas Athletic Commission

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 pro bout since his shock defeat to Ireland's Kevin McBride almost 20 years ago.

Even though Paul vs, Tyson is a pro fight, it will be contested over eight two-minute rounds instead of the traditional three-minute rounds.

'Iron' Mike himself put forward that request to the local commission.

He believes shorter rounds will command more action thus making it a more entertaining showdown.

"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.

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

"We were bringing Mike Tyson back into the sport, and I believe that it was more meaningful as a pro fight."

Mike Tyson and Jake Paul face off ahead of their fight. Image: Getty

The two-minute rounds could favour Tyson over Paul as shorter rounds could be easier to navigate in wake of the medical scare he suffered that postponed their summer date.

The 58-year-old has shown off his famed power and hand speed in the build-up to his contest against the 27-year-old.

And he impressed fans with his session at Tuesday's open workout, with fans backing him to beat 'The Problem Child'.

Speaking in the ring after the open workout, he said: "When I agreed to this fight and I started training, I said, 'What the (expletive) am I thinking of?'

"And I finished the process and now the fight's the party.

“All the hard work is done."

Tyson's hasn't fought in a pro setting since 2005, but he returned to action in 2020 when he faced fellow boxing great Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition.

As for Paul, he has 11 pro fights to his name and hasn't fought since his TKO victory over former UFC star Mike Perry last July.