asane

Mike Tyson slaps Jake Paul during the final pre-fight weigh-in

Online Niel November 16, 2024

Then Paul amped up the crowd, saying, “Now it’s personal. He must die!”

Christian Petersen/Getty Mike Tyson, Jake Paul — Christian Petersen/Getty

Mike Tyson, Jake Paul

During the final weigh-in before their highly anticipated match, things got intense between them Mike Tyson and Jake Paulwith the boxing legend slapping the YouTube star.

Before Tyson, 58, and Paul, 27, went all out in the ring at AT&T Stadium in Texas in front of a global audience on Friday, November 15, the two had to be separated at the weigh-in a day earlier, when Tyson responded by stomping on Paul’s leg with an open palm.

Following the meeting, a source close to Tyson said ESPN that the former heavyweight champion reacted after Paul “intentionally” stepped on his foot because Tyson was tired of Paul talking him down.

The pair were quickly separated after the incident and Tyson was taken away, while Paul pumped up the crowd, saying: “It’s personal now. He must die!”

Brett Carlsen/Getty Mike Tyson, Jake Paul — Brett Carlsen/Getty

Mike Tyson, Jake Paul

Never miss a story – sign up PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to keep up with the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Earlier this week, on Wednesday, November 13, Tyson said that Paul should prepare for what’s next in the ring.

“I bring the devil himself (to the ring),” Tyson said. “There are no feelings attached.”

Tayfun Coskun/Getty Mike Tyson — Tayfun Coskun/Getty

Mike Tyson

Tyson continued, “My own mother should be very careful if she has to get in the ring with me. When it’s over, it’s over. But while the process is going on, my intention is to hurt him. I hope he has the same intentions, or he has problems,” he said, according to the media.

Paul, meanwhile, previously told PEOPLE that he draws inspiration from three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes to fight.

“It’s a cliché, but there’s a reason he’s the best,” Paul said of the 29-year-old quarterback from Kansas City. “He keeps winning and he keeps showing up and being a leader.”