Mike Tyson (L) slaps Jake Paul as they face off during their ceremonial weigh-in at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory on November 14, 2024 in Irving, Texas. The two are scheduled to meet in a heavyweight bout on November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP
Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson slapped opponent Jake Paul as the two men faced off for the final time on Thursday ahead of their controversial Netflix-backed bout.
Tyson, 58, hit Paul flush on the cheek with his right hand following the formal weigh-in for Friday’s fight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Article continues after this advertisementA scrum of security swiftly intervened to separate the two fighters following the incident before Tyson was ushered away.
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Tyson, who weighed in at 228.4 pounds after stepping onto the scales wearing only a pair of Versace briefs, barely spoke before leaving the stage.
Article continues after this advertisement“Talking’s over,” Tyson said before making his exit with members of his entourage.
Article continues after this advertisementPaul, the 27-year-old Youtuber-turned-boxer, insisted he had not been hurt by Tyson’s open-handed slap, which drew gasps from the audience.
Article continues after this advertisement“I didn’t even feel it — he’s angry. He’s an angry little elf…cute slap buddy,” said Paul, who weighed in at 227.2 pounds.
READ: Mike Tyson feels good after health scare, ready vs Jake Paul
Article continues after this advertisementPaul concluded his remarks with an expletive-laden pledge to knock Tyson out, before roaring theatrically into a microphone: “He must die.”
Tyson is reportedly being paid $20 million for Friday’s officially sanctioned bout in Texas, which will be comprised of eight two-minute rounds.
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The contest, being streamed live on Netflixpwbet gaming, has divided opinion across the boxing world, with many prominent figures decrying the prospect of Tyson lacing up his gloves nearly 40 years after his professional debut and 19 years after his last officially sanctioned fight.
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