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 advertisement
A scrum of security swiftly intervened to separate the two fighters following the incident before Tyson was ushered away.
Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul: How to watch the fight, time, odds
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.
Paul, 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.
“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
Paul 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.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
The contest, being streamed live on Netflix, 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.