Questions are being raised after an incident where Mike Tyson slapped Jake Paul during a stage appearance.
For those who follow boxing, verbal exchanges between fighters are typical in the lead-up to a major bout. Tyson Fury famously referred to Deontay Wilder as a “big bum dosser,” for example.
However, things turned physical between boxing icon Tyson and YouTuber Paul at the weigh-in on November 14. The 58-year-old Tyson delivered a slap to Paul’s face.
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After the incident, Paul, aged 27, commented: “Mike Tyson, I thought that was a cute slap, buddy, but tomorrow you’re getting knocked out.”
He also called Tyson an ‘angry little elf’ and claimed that he ‘didn’t even feel’ the slap.
As the footage of the interaction circulates online, many are questioning if the slow-motion edit of the clip suggests that the incident was staged.
One Twitter user remarked: “Should we take this slap serious at all? I mean Mike just arm slapped him and twisted his whole neck. Jake played it off but he got rocked.”
“Looks like there was barely any strength in it as well,” commented another.
“Totally set up,” suggested another user, while someone else claimed it was ‘staged’.
Conversely, some believe the slap was genuine, resulting from Paul stepping on Tyson’s toe.
“Everyone is missing that Jake stepped on his foot. So Mike slapped the soul out of him,” one sports fan observed.
Another commenter insisted: “Jake stepped on his toes that’s why mike slapped him take a look.”
And one user remarked in anticipation of the fight: “That’s what he got for barely stepping on his toe. Imagine what Mike will do when Jake hits him.”
Fans have spent significantly to secure a spot at tonight’s fight in Texas, USA, with some reportedly paying up to $2 million for a VIP ticket.
The hefty price tag for these tickets includes various perks.
Some VIP packages offer seating in exclusive ringside suites, along with access to a private green room.
Those who can afford such tickets also get photographs with the fighters, visits to the locker room, and a post-fight photo opportunity in the ring.
Additionally, options for a car service and security are available, and the package covers a two-night stay in a suite at the Loews hotel in Texas.
The Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight will be broadcast live on Netflix on November 15. It is set to start at 8 pm ET, 7 pm CT, 5 pm PT, and 1 am GMT.
If you’re without a Netflix account, Verizon offers a free year of Netflix Premium for customers who bundle it with another subscription through the Verizon +play platform. Partner services include Paramount+, NBA League Pass, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.