Tensions nearly boiled over between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson as they publicly faced off for the first time since their highly-anticipated boxing match was rescheduled. In the closing moments of Sunday’s Press Conference at Fanaticsfest, the fighters engaged in a back-and-forth shoving match as a raucous New York crowd cheered them on.
Once the pair met in the middle of the stage at the Javits Center Theatre, Tyson began playfully throwing punches in the direction of Paul before forcibly pushing his opponent in the chest. Though “Iron Mike” appeared to jokingly apologize, he soon after shoved Paul back even harder with two hands.
Paul took the nudges in stride, as he continued to walk towards Tyson while shouting in his direction and later shoved him back. Cooler tensions ended up prevailing, as the two shared one final staredown before exiting the stage on separate sides.
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Tyson and Paul were initially slated to step into the ring together on July 20 in Arlington, Texas, but the fight needed to be rescheduled after Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up on a flight from Los Angeles to Miami back in May. Per doctor’s orders, the 58-year-old was forced to lighten his rigorous training regimen for several weeks, but asserted on Sunday that he’s resumed fighting camp.
"It's happening," Tyson said of the fight. "I'm very prepared. I had a small adversity, I got sick but I'm better, I feel good. I'm just ready; I'm going to do my talking and talk my ---- when I'm ready to fight."
Barring any unforeseen setbacks, the heavyweight fighters will duke it out before 80,000 fans at AT&T Stadium on November 15 - with 270 million Netflix subscribers at home additionally able to take in the spectacle.
Throughout the first two press conferences promoting the long-awaited bout at Apollo Theater and Texas Live!, Tyson and Paul routinely expressed a mutual respect for one another. But upon taking the stage at the Javits Center, there appeared to be no love lost between the friends.
Addressing Tyson’s recent health scare, Paul mockingly joked: "Yeah you had your menopause break and postpone the fight so yeah what about that dog? I was ready before, you needed a little break. Your tummy hurt?"
Tyson promptly returned the favor, describing Paul as nothing but a “Youtuber” who’s got his hands full facing off against one of the best boxers of all time. "We've got a YouTuber fighting the greatest fighter who ever lived,” he said. “He may have been in the ring with people who have the same intentions, but the actuality, no. As soon as I catch this guy its going to be totally over, he' going to run."
Asked if Tyson was the reason for all the attention surrounding the upcoming fight, Paul interjected: “We signed a contract with Netflix, and I brought him the deal. So, you're welcome, my son. I'm going to discipline you like a son.”
