Mike Tyson issues two-word warning to Jake Paul after slapping rival during face-off
Mike Tyson slapped Jake Paul during their face-off at the weigh-in, with the YouTube star vowing to knock out the heavyweight legend in their exhibition fight
Mike Tyson didn’t offer much explanation for his heated exchange with Jake Paul, after giving his rival a sharp slap during their face-off. The legendary heavyweight seemed irked after Paul made a dramatic move towards him post-weigh-in, swiftly rising up in Tyson’s face which led to the slap and a quick breakup by the security and team members.
Once the scene settled down, Tyson’s response was cryptic but clear: “Talking’s over”. Meanwhile, Paul brushed off the incident mockingly, saying: “I didn’t even feel it, he’s angry. He’s an angry little elf.”
Not stopping there, he taunted further: “Mike Tyson, I thought that was a cute slap, buddy, but tomorrow you’re getting knocked the —- out. I’m ——- him up, Ariel, I’m ——- him up. He hits like a —–. “It’s personal now, it’s personal now. He must die!”
The confrontation came as a surprise as Tyson had previously kept a low profile, remaining almost silent at the press conference on Wednesday.
But he appeared spirited after the weigh-in, clocking in at 228.4lb, tipping the scales slightly heavier than Paul – who has moved up in weight class since dispatching Mike Perry back in July. Despite this clash, Paul boasts a strong record in the ring, claiming victory in 10 of his 11 professional fights, having only lost to Tommy Fury last year.
His repertoire includes wins against former MMA fighters Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, and Nate Diaz.
Additionally, he notched a knockout against former NBA player Nate Robinson during an undercard for the Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr exhibition bout in 2020, which concluded in a draw.
The upcoming re-scheduled fight from July will count on Tyson’s official record. It will consist of eight two-minute rounds with 14oz gloves rather than the regular 10oz.
Tyson was dismissive when questioned at a press conference about skeptics belittling the event, snapping back: “Well, erm. The people (here) speak for itself. I don’t have to answer.”
When the possibility of defeat was raised, the iconic ‘Iron Mike’ brimmed with self-assurance, exclaiming, “I’m not going to lose,” and doubling down with his affirmation: “I am not going to lose. Did you hear what I said?”
