In a dramatic turn of events at the weigh-in for their highly anticipated Friday fight, boxing legend Mike Tyson slapped YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul across the face. The altercation occurred at the AT&T Stadium weigh-in event, sending shockwaves through fans and the media alike.
The Incident: A Stepped Toe Sparks a Slap
Video footage from the event shows Jake Paul stepping on the front of Tyson’s right foot before quickly retracting his own. Tyson’s response was swift and unmistakable—a slap across Paul’s face with his right hand, followed by a pointed gesture toward the ground. The two were quickly separated, but the tension was palpable.
According to Tom Patti, a close friend of Tyson and fellow trainee under the late Cus D’Amato, the slap was a direct reaction to Paul’s misstep.
“Jake stepped on Mike’s foot, that prompted the reaction,” Patti explained in a text to USA TODAY Sports. “I was there, and Mike just told me.”
Patti, who lived and trained with Tyson in the 1980s, witnessed the confrontation firsthand and added his own interpretation of the event.
“Jake shows enough disrespect that he starts crawling up to Mike and then pouncing in front of him … like some sort of lurching animal. Mike put him in his place.”
@MikeTyson is this my chris rock moment? pic.twitter.com/ITDQbNYhCI
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) November 15, 2024
Friendship Turned Friction
The slap marks a sharp turn in the previously amicable relationship between Tyson and Paul. Since the fight was announced in March, the two fighters had often appeared friendly during joint appearances. They even dismissed speculation that the fight was rigged due to their public camaraderie.
However, the tone between them shifted in recent weeks. Tyson, historically known for his intense focus leading up to fights, has grown more reserved, while Paul’s antagonistic behavior has increased.
Patti believes Thursday’s altercation was a culmination of Tyson’s frustration.
“Mike’s reaction shows he’s finished with all the publicity. It’s time to fight,” Patti said.
A Battle of Personalities
The lead-up to Friday’s fight has been marked by contrasting styles. Tyson, a seasoned boxing icon, has projected a quieter demeanor, reflecting his experience in the ring. Paul, on the other hand, has leaned heavily into theatrics and provocations, a hallmark of his social media-driven career.
The slap has only added to the intrigue, fueling speculation about how the fighters’ emotions will translate in the ring.
What’s Next?
As fans gear up for the fight, many are left wondering if the weigh-in drama will influence the outcome. Will Paul’s antics rattle Tyson, or will the seasoned veteran channel his frustration into a decisive victory?
One thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher, and Friday’s bout is shaping up to be a fight for the ages.
