Mike Tyson slapped Jake Paul during a tense weigh-in for their controversial heavyweight fight scheduled for Friday at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

The 58-year-old boxing legend and 27-year-old novice Paul faced off after stepping on the scales, with Tyson weighing in at 16st 4lb and Paul a pound lighter. Paul added drama by crawling across the stage before standing face-to-face with Tyson for the traditional pre-fight staredown.

Despite avoiding Paul’s provocations throughout the week, Tyson struck his opponent across the face during the encounter, prompting security and team members to intervene and separate the two. “Talking’s over,” Tyson declared before leaving the stage.

Paul, unfazed, appeared to meditate after the incident, grinning as he downplayed the slap. “I didn’t even feel it. He’s angry. He’s an angry little elf,” Paul said. “Mike Tyson, I thought that was a cute slap, buddy, but tomorrow you’re getting knocked out.”

This fight marks a return to the ring for Tyson, a two-time world champion, who last fought professionally in 2005. The unusual matchup has drawn significant attention, sparking debate about age and experience differences in the bout.