Mike Tyson Slaps Jake Paul: Former UFC Champ's Reaction "Not What You'd Expect"

Ronald Crawley Nov. 15, 2024, 5:10 p.m.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations has given the green light for this Netflix-backed event. But the boxing world isn't happy about it. They're worried because Paul's got a big advantage in age and recent fight experience.

At the weigh-in, Tyson surprised everyone by slapping Paul across the face. Tyron Woodley, who's fought Paul twice, thinks this shows the old Tyson's back.

"He's been so relaxed. I think he'd been such an animal for so many years, all through the eighties, and I feel like he's relaxed over the years. We see he's smiling more, he's got the show, he's more gentle and more open with his emotions. I feel like he tapped back in to that old killer Mike."

Woodley, a former UFC Welterweight Champion, shared his thoughts on how the fight might go down in an interview with The Schmo. He thinks Paul should use his reach advantage and youth to wear Tyson down.

"If I was coaching Jake, I would say jab, jab, motion. Use your athleticism. Use your youth. Make him move. Make him miss. Make him follow you and clinch him up. Try to take it into the third, fourth round and then try to go to work."

But Woodley warns that Tyson's still got his famous power and skill.

"I think if you try to go to work with somebody like Mike early, his muscle memory is just too amazing. He's an encyclopedia of combinations and counters."

The fight's expected to break viewership records. Some think it might be more of a show than a real fight, with neither boxer getting seriously hurt.

In another big match on the card, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano are set for a rematch that fans have been waiting for.

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