Roy Jones Jr. explains why he was “glad to see” Mike Tyson slap Jake Paul during face-off
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul are ready to go to war in the squared circle on Nov. 15, and the pair shared a fiery final face-off at yesterday's ceremonial weigh-ins. 'Iron Mike' was captured slapping his opponent in the face before they were quickly separated, preventing things from escalating.
It will be Tyson's first professional fight since 2005, and the former heavyweight champion has been candid about how his personality has transformed in preparation for his clash with Paul.
Since retiring from boxing, the 58-year-old had sought to gain more peace in his life, through experimentation with psychedelic drugs among other practices. But according to Tyson, his old self has begun to re-emerge ahead of his return to the ring.
The last man to face 'Iron Mike' in the ring, boxing legend Roy Jones Jr., recently shared his thoughts on Tyson slapping 'The Problem Child' at yesterday's ceremonial weigh-in.
Jones Jr. said:
"That's Mike, that's vintage Mike. I was glad to see it actually, because it means that Mike ain't out here just going through the motions. He's being serious about it. I liked it... The fact that it came out now, I'm glad to see that. If I hadn't seen that I would have been worried because this fight may not even be for real."
He continued:
"Two minute rounds are good for Mike. But Jake is gonna get stronger as the fight goes. Jake's the younger guy... If he can get Mike a little fatigued, make Mike use his legs a little bit, [he can] try and get him."
Catch Roy Jones Jr. discuss Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul below (0:10):
Jake Paul reacts to Mike Tyson slapping him
Mike Tyson's return to professional boxing will come against Jake Paul, with the pair squaring off on Nov. 15 at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.
With the majority of the fight's build-up having been cordial, the final face-off ahead of their clash saw tempers truly flare for the first time. The Brooklyn native landed a stinging slap on Paul on stage before being separated, and 'The Problem Child' reacted by sharing a lethal promise with fans.
He said:
"I didn't even feel it. He's angry, he's an angry little elf. Mike Tyson, I thought that was a cute slap buddy. But tomorrow you're getting knocked the f**k out... It's personal now! He must die!"
Check out Jake Paul's reaction below (1:04:55):