Mike Tyson gained’t face off in opposition to Jake Paul within the boxing ring till 8:00 pm tonight.
However the mismatched opponents supplied an sudden preview of the bout once they got here to blows at their ultimate weigh-in.
Sure, Iron Mike surprised the gang when he slapped Jake within the face throughout what was alleged to be a routine press occasion.
Tensions between these two have been heating up for some time (or a minimum of they’ve achieved an excellent job of pretending they hate one another with a purpose to drum up publicity).
Besides, the transfer got here as a complete shock. The query now could be …
Why Did Mike Tyson Slap Jake Paul?
The confrontation occurred in a cut up second, and it left many battle followers questioning what set Tyson off.
In line with a buddy of Tyson’s, Paul fairly actually stepped over the road when he stomped on the 58-year-old’s foot.
“Jake stepped on Mike’s foot. That prompted the reaction. I was there and Mike just told me,” retired boxer Tom Patti tells USA In the present day.
“My personal opinion (is) 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.”
Patti added that the second was a sign that Tyson is “finished with all the publicity. It’s time to fight.”
Jake Laughs It Off on Twitter
Tyson may be achieved with the publicity, however it appears that evidently Paul continues to be loving the eye.
He instantly took to Twitter to boast about his viral second.
“This is a pinch me moment. I got slapped by Mike Tyson,” Paul tweeted final evening.
The battle was initially scheduled for July 20 however was rescheduled when Tyson skilled an “ulcer flare-up,” which restricted his capacity to coach.
A Controversial Match
Paul isn’t any stranger to controversy, however the media circus surrounding this battle has been intense even by the requirements of somebody who so aggressively courts publicity.
When the occasion was first introduced again in March, the opponents appeared unusually chummy with each other.
This prompted hypothesis that the match was rigged, an allegation that Tyson and Paul have each pushed again in opposition to.
And if any heat emotions as soon as existed between these two, they appear to have vanished.
Today, we’re seeing the animosity that we count on from two pugilists who’re about to sq. off in a high-profile battle.
However each different side of this occasion is like nothing we’ve witnessed earlier than.
The 31-year age distinction between Tyson and Paul is the biggest within the historical past {of professional} boxing. And Iron Mike retired from the game again in 2005.
Will the boxing legend have the ability to maintain his personal in opposition to his a lot youthful opponent? We’ll discover out tonight when these two step into the ring at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The occasion will stream reside on Netflix.
