Mike Tyson and Jake Paul completed their official weigh-ins on Thursday ahead of their much-anticipated boxing match, but it was an unexpected slap during the staredown that stole the show.

Image Credit: © Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Nov 14, 2024; Irving, TX, USA; Jake Paul and Mike Tyson face off during weigh-ins at the Toyota Music Factory the day before their fight. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The 58-year-old Tyson, a former undisputed heavyweight champion, tipped the scales at 228.4 pounds. His opponent, 27-year-old social media personality-turned-boxer Jake Paul, came in just slightly lighter at 227.2 pounds. The weigh-in took place at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas, with fans and media in attendance.

The tension peaked during the traditional staredown between the fighters.

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As the two faced off, Tyson abruptly slapped Paul, prompting security and others to step in and separate them.

The slap sent shockwaves through the boxing world, with reactions flooding social media shortly afterward.

When combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani attempted to speak with the fighters about the incident, Tyson was succinct, saying, “The talk is over,” before leaving the stage.

Paul, on the other hand, appeared to meditate briefly after the altercation as Tyson was pulled away.

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He later addressed the slap, stating that it didn’t hurt him physically but had made the fight personal.

“It’s personal now,” Paul declared, adding an aggressive statement about his intentions for Friday’s fight.

He also updated his Instagram profile picture to an image of comedian Chris Rock being slapped by actor Will Smith at the 2022 Oscars, a pointed response to Tyson’s actions.

The weigh-in marked the final public event for the fighters before they step into the ring at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Friday night.

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The main card, headlined by the Tyson-Paul matchup, begins at 8 p.m. ET.

Tyson, who boasts a storied career with 50 wins, including 44 knockouts, hasn’t fought professionally since 2005.

Known for his ferocity in the ring, Tyson reigned as the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990 and once held an impressive record of 37-0.

Despite his long absence from professional boxing, Tyson remains a prominent figure in the sport and one of its most iconic names.

Paul, meanwhile, has quickly built a reputation as a formidable competitor in the boxing world. With 10 wins in 11 professional bouts, including seven knockouts, Paul has defeated notable names such as Anderson Silva, Nate Diaz, and Tyron Woodley twice.

Known for his promotional skills and social media influence, Paul has successfully drawn massive attention to his bouts, and his fight against Tyson is no exception.

As the fighters prepare to face off, the slap from Thursday’s weigh-in has only added more intrigue to a fight already surrounded by intense anticipation.

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