Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul met for a dramatic final face-off on Thursday, just one day before their highly anticipated, Netflix-backed boxing match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. During the intense standoff, Tyson, now 58, struck Paul with a right-handed slap across the cheek. The sudden hit came shortly after both men completed their official weigh-ins, drawing shocked gasps from the assembled crowd. Following the slap, security personnel moved in quickly to separate the two fighters, with Tyson being guided off the stage amid the rising tension.
Tyson, who stepped onto the scales wearing nothing but Versace briefs, weighed in at 228.4 pounds. He chose not to engage in any extended dialogue or trash talk, offering only a short, ominous statement before leaving the stage.
“Talking’s over,” Tyson declared, before departing alongside his entourage, further heightening the suspense surrounding the bout.
Jake Paul, a 27-year-old social media sensation turned boxer, appeared unfazed by the slap, despite the crowd’s reaction. Brushing off the incident, he downplayed Tyson’s strike with a smirk, maintaining a cocky stance.
Tyson Slaps Jake Paul in Dramatic Final Face-Off Before Netflix Fight
“I didn’t even feel it — he’s an angry little elf… cute slap, buddy,” Paul quipped. Weighing in at 227.2 pounds, just a pound lighter than Tyson, Paul projected confidence, making it clear he was undeterred by Tyson’s actions.
The stakes for Friday’s fight are high, with Tyson reportedly set to earn a staggering $20 million for his participation in the event. The officially sanctioned bout will feature eight two-minute rounds, a format that promises a fast-paced, high-intensity showdown given the shorter rounds. The structure of the match is expected to play to Tyson’s advantage, considering his history of powerful, quick knockouts early in fights, though both fighters seem determined to make a statement.
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As the event will be streamed live on Netflix, it has already stirred significant controversy within the boxing community. Opinions are divided. Some fans are excited by Tyson’s return, while many prominent boxing figures and critics remain skeptical. They view the bout as more of a spectacle than a legitimate competition. Detractors have questioned the wisdom of allowing Tyson to return to the ring. It has been almost four decades since his professional debut and nearly 20 years since his last official fight.
As fight night approaches, both fighters are ready for an unforgettable showdown. Each is confident in his ability to claim victory. Tyson, a powerhouse of boxing’s past, brings experience and raw power. Paul, known for his brash confidence, has recently dedicated himself to training. He aims to prove himself in a more serious light within the sport. Fans and critics are watching closely. Friday’s bout promises to be a polarizing and historic encounter. It will mark either a triumphant return for Tyson or a surprising victory for the younger, outspoken Paul.
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