Mike Tyson turned his back on Jake Paul as he used a ‘gun-shot’ gesture during their face-off.
Paul and Tyson came face-to-face for the second time this week in Arlington, Texas as part of their press tour to promote their July 20 encounter in the squared circle.
Paul used an antagonistic ritual which drew no response from TysonCredit: Getty
Things had been respectful and amicable between the fighters during their opening event in New York, but things became more heated as they traded insults this time out.
When brought to the front of the stage to face-off, Paul decided to try to get in the face of his rival by posing as if he was ready to land a punch on Tyson.
The heavyweight legend initially stood there completely unfazed and then responded by raising his hands, as if to suggest he wanted no part in the antics.
Tyson then proceeded to turn his back on Paul, at which point the ‘Problem Child’ made a gesture in the shape of a gun towards his bemused opponent.
The undisputed world champion has seen it all before at press conferences during his successful 20-year professional career spanning 1985 to 2005.
He kept his business-like facade during the staredown and is unlikely to be intimidated by the YouTube star in any shape or form.
But he was clearly more open to trading verbal barbs with Paul than earlier in the week, as they spoke to promote the fight.
He said: “I don’t see too many people critical about it. Look at this.
Tyson then left the face-off turning his back on PaulCredit: Netflix
“I was doing this years ago, so this is nothing new to me. This is new to this young boy over here.”
Paul then responded: “I hope you all keep that same energy when I knock this old man out.
“In due time, I will be fighting for a world championship. And I will be making you eat your own words.
“I respect Mike. But it’s time. It’s my time now. I will go down as the man who put down Mike Tyson for the last time.”
Paul had been clearly wound-up with the reception he received upon arrival to the conference, with fans booing in a largely pro-Tyson crowd.
This gave him much more loaded ammunition to aim at his veteran rival, who refused to rise to his antagonistic tendencies.
Tyson came up against some brilliant talkers during his prime, including Lennox Lewis who he brawled with at a press conference in 2002 before their mega-fight.
Paul has become known in boxing for his trash-talking and brash personality, but Tyson has shown he is willing to take the surprise event seriously.
‘Iron Mike’ has been posting training footage from his camp in his own intimidation tactics, and it has certainly worked with Paul admitting he is ‘nervous’ to step in the ring.