Jake Paul got off easy when Mike Tyson once slapped Robert Downey Jr and almost sent the Iron Man star to the hospital.

Tyson and Downey Jr both appeared in the 1999 film Black and White, which also starred Ben Stiller, American basketball player Allan Houston and German model Claudia Schiffer.

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The film – directed by James Toback – focused on a group of white high school students who became involved with the black Harlem hip-hop crowd.

Downey was struggling to find major roles in the film industry at the time and played documentary producer Terry Donager, while Tyson played himself.

Tyson hadn’t been seen in the ring since back-to-back losses Evander Holyfield during the production of the film.

After suffering a surprise loss in the 11th round in their first meeting, Tyson was disqualified in the rematch after biting Holyfieldtaking a chunk out of his rival’s ear.

Tyson would continue beat Francois Botha of South Africa in preparation for Black and White’s September 1999 release date.

And his in-ring work came in handy during a scene where he had to get physical with award-winning actor Downey Jr.

“The director wanted me to really hit him and I didn’t,” Tyson said in a 2014 interview with Windy City Times.

“He said, ‘You really have to do this, man! If you want to be an actor, then you have to do it!

“It was real – a real blow. When he was on the floor he was kicking me and I was like, ‘Ow!'”

Meanwhile, director Toback told BlackBook: “It only occurred to Downey at the last minute to ask if I told Mike he was going to hit him.

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“I said ‘No.’ Downey said, “What if he gets angry?” I said, “I suppose he will.” He said, “How far do you want me to take it?” I said, “Take him until he responds to the extreme.” Downey replied, “What if he kills me?” I said, “Well, I hadn’t thought of that, I think it’s unlikely—no better than a five percent chance, but at the rate you’re going, you’re going to end up dying in a motel parking lot from Culver City. So what would be better…this or dying like this?

“Downey snapped and started challenging Mike hard to hit him, choke him, knock him down.”

The pair have since become great friends and have even been photographed together on numerous occasions, despite the scene that could have seriously injured Downey Jr.

Black and White also featured other popular actors, musicians and athletes such as Jared Leto, Gaby Hoffmann and Scott Caan.

Tyson is believed to have been happy to accept the role as hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan also made an appearance in the film.

Although the film only grossed $5 million on a $12 million budget, it proved to be a real stepping stone in the career of Downey Jr., who went on to appear as Iron Man in blockbuster films Marvel.

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face Tyson Jake Paul in a very expected way heavy boxing game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas tonight.

The event is streaming live on Netflix and also has Katie Taylor facing Amanda Serrano in a highly anticipated rematch for the women’s lightweight titles.

Tyson, 58, on Thursday that Paul, who is 31 years his junior, stepped on his toes during an explosive weigh-in ceremony that prompted the former to slap the YouTuber turned boxer.

The pair came face-to-face in Texas for the final time on Thursday, but had to be separated by security when Tyson slapped Paul on the chin.

After the incident, Paul told journalist Ariel Helwani: “I didn’t even feel it. He is angry. He is an angry elf.

“Mike TysonI thought that was a nice slap, mate, but tomorrow you’re going to get kicked off.

“I f****** him, Ariel. I’m renewing him. He hits like a ***. It’s personal now. It’s personal now. He has to die.”

Tyson vs Paul is expected to start at 10pm local time, which is 4am on Saturday in the UK.

80,000 fans are expected to pack the stadium in Dallas and millions more will tune in via US streaming platform Netflix to watch Tyson’s first professional bout since 2005.