Mike Tyson slaps Jake Paul in final face-off before Netflix bout

Arlington, Texas - Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson slapped opponent Jake Paul as the two athletes faced off for the final time on Thursday ahead of their controversial Netflix-backed bout.

Mike Tyson and Jake Paul are separated as they face off during their ceremonial weigh-in at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory on November 14, 2024.
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul are separated as they face off during their ceremonial weigh-in at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory on November 14, 2024.  © Christian Petersen / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

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.

A scrum of security swiftly intervened to separate the two fighters following the incident before Tyson was ushered away.

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.

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"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.

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. The contest will be streamed live on Netflix.

Cover photo: Christian Petersen / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

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