Boxing legend Mike Tyson, 58, stunned onlookers by slapping Jake Paul during their final face-off ahead of their much-anticipated heavyweight bout. The incident occurred after the ceremonial weigh-in at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas, on Thursday, November 14.
Tyson delivered an open-handed slap to Paul’s cheek, prompting gasps from the crowd. Security personnel quickly intervened, separating the two fighters as tensions flared.
“Talking’s Over,” Tyson Says
After weighing in at 228.4 pounds while sporting Versace briefs, Tyson made only a brief statement before exiting the stage with his entourage. “Talking’s over,” he said.
Paul, who weighed in at 227.2 pounds, shrugged off the slap and taunted the former heavyweight champion, calling him “an angry little elf.” The 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer added, “Cute slap, buddy,” before vowing to knock Tyson out.
In a theatrical flourish, Paul shouted into the microphone, “He must die,” to the amusement of the audience.
A Divisive Match
The eight-round, two-minute-per-round bout, backed by Netflix, is set to take place on Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Tyson is reportedly earning $20 million for his return to the ring.
The fight has sparked mixed reactions within the boxing community, with many questioning Tyson’s decision to compete nearly 40 years after his professional debut and 19 years since his last sanctioned fight.