“We Might as Well Get Rid of Boxing”: Mike Tyson Believes This Rule Change Could Be the End of Sport

Boxing is a sport that has been around for centuries, with its rules and regulations evolving over time. One aspect of boxing that has undergone significant changes is the length of the rounds. Mike Tyson, recently shared his thoughts on the matter, expressing that the current length of 12 rounds is ideal for the sport and that reducing it to 10 would be detrimental.

In the old days of the sport, rounds would go as far as 50 with some fights even going to the end. Moreover, the longest fight in the history of the sport lasted for 110 rounds with over 7 hours of ring time. This legendary fight between Andy Bowen and Jack Burke in 1893 was declared a no-contest after no winner could be decided. Although this might be a little too extreme for today’s standards. ‘Iron’ Mike feels that the rounds should not be reduced to 10.

Mike Tyson does not want boxing rounds to be reduced

In a recent episode of his podcast Hotboxin’, Tyson explained that the length of rounds has gone through several changes throughout the history of boxing. He referenced the early days of the sport, where fights could last up to 100 rounds. However, the length of fights was gradually reduced, with the 15-round limit becoming standard in the 1920s. Eventually, in the 1980s, it was reduced to the current standard of 12 rounds.

“That’s when most of the deaths occurred after the 12th to 13th round. That’s why they made it to 12. Before, it was 50. From 50, it was at 20. It took it from 20 to 15. First, it started off with, to the end of the fight, then it was 45 rounds. 45 went to 25, 25 went to 20, 20 went to 15, 15 went to 12. Now, if we go to 10, we might as well get rid of boxing,” he said.

According to Tyson, reducing the length of rounds to 10 would be a mistake. He argues that 12 rounds provide the fighters with enough time to display their skills, showcase their strategies, and give the audience an enjoyable experience. Furthermore, he believes that reducing the length of rounds would be detrimental to the sport’s traditions and history

Joe Rogan details the fight that changed boxing rounds from 15 to 12

During a speed of his podcast, Rogan discussed a tragic fight that brought about a lot of changes in the sport of boxing. He recounted the story of Duk Koo Kim, a South Korean boxer who lost his life during a bout against Ray Mancini. The commentator explained that this was the reason why boxing fights were reduced from 15 rounds to 12. Kim’s death occurred in the 13th or 14th round, leading to a decision to shorten championship fights to 12 rounds.

This fight proved to be a turning point in boxing, as it prompted the adoption of a new system. Although Kim’s life was a tragic loss, his sacrifice brought about significant changes that helped to protect boxers in the future.

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What did you think about Tyson’s verdict on the number of rounds needed in boxing? Let us know in the comments below.

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