Tyson slaps Paul in face during final staredown

DALLAS — Mike Tyson said that “the devil himself” would show up on Friday night in his boxing match against Jake Paul. He gave Paul a preview at Thursday’s weigh-in.

After Tyson weighed in at 233 pounds, he approached Paul for the final staredown before Friday’s clash at AT&T Stadium. Paul, who weighed a career-high 220 pounds, darted forward from a crawling stance to get up close and personal to the former heavyweight champion.

In response to Paul, 27, invading his personal space, Tyson unleashed an open-handed slap that connected flush on Paul’s face. The two were quickly separated by security as Paul played to the crowd, mocked Tyson and laughed at his opponent.

Tyson was escorted away while Paul addressed the crowd, saying, “It’s personal now. He must die!”

Tyson’s demeanor has shifted over the past several days. He was talkative during Tuesday’s open workouts but appeared much more subdued at Wednesday’s news conference, offering short answers to questions from the media. By Thursday, he had enough of the talking and was ready for action.

How that translates to Friday’s clash is anyone’s guess, but the slap has only heightened anticipation for the generational clash between the iconic boxer and the YouTuber-turned-prizefighter.