Mike Tyson slapped Jake Paul following the weigh in last night (Photo Credit: Kevin Jairaj, Imagn Images)
Hype for the controversial clash between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul went into overdrive last night, after the former undisputed heavyweight champion slapped the 27-year-old at the ceremonial weigh-in.
Tyson and Paul’s face off lasted a matter of seconds before they were separated by security, who were quick to jump in following an open-handed blow landed by ‘Iron Mike.’
Fans on social media were quick to speculate that the altercation was little more than a calculated tactic to try and bring attention to the fight, which will take place at the AT&T Stadium in Texas in a matter of hours.
However, Tyson has spoken out about exactly why he raised his hand to Paul – and it appears his anger was very much genuine.
In an interview with The New York Post, the 58-year-old icon explained he was incensed by Paul, who was wearing shoes, standing on his toes as he approached for the face off.
“I was in my socks and he had on shoes.
“He stepped on my toe because he’s a f****** a******.
“I was in a lot of pain – I had to reciprocate!”
Footage has surfaced on social media backing up Tyson’s claims, and it appears Paul has woken up the beast inside ‘The Baddest Man On The Planet,’ who has not boxed as a professional in almost twenty years.
There has been criticism over the match up due to the age disparity between the pair, with many expressing concern for the ageing New Yorker’s health against a man over thirty years his junior.
Paul vs Tyson is set to be the most viewed fight of 2024. Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/Most Valuable Promotions
That said, he trumps Paul in terms of boxing experience, with the brash YouTuber having had only 11 bouts, the majority of which were against faded mixed martial arts stars.
The event will be broadcast live on streaming giant Netflix and is expected to be far and away the most viewed boxing card in recent years.
