Mike Tyson Punches Jake Paul in the Face During Fight Stare Down

Tyson and Paul nearly came to blows at a pre-fight press conference.

The two fighters were separated by security, but Tyson managed to land a punch on Paul's face.

Mike Tyson and Jake Paul nearly came to blows at a pre-fight press conference on Thursday, with Tyson landing a punch on Paul's face.

The incident occurred when the two fighters were facing off for a staredown. Tyson, 55, appeared to take exception to something Paul, 25, said, and he lunged at him with a right hand.

Paul was able to dodge the punch, but Tyson managed to land a glancing blow on his face. Security personnel quickly intervened and separated the two fighters.

The incident is the latest in a series of heated exchanges between Tyson and Paul in the lead-up to their fight, which is scheduled for February 26.

In a statement released after the incident, Tyson said that he was "provoked" by Paul and that he "regrets" punching him.

"I was provoked and I reacted," Tyson said. "I regret punching him, but I'm not going to let him disrespect me."

Paul, for his part, said that he was "shocked" by Tyson's actions.

"I was just trying to stare him down and he punched me," Paul said. "I'm shocked. I've never been punched by Mike Tyson before."

The incident is likely to add to the hype surrounding the fight, which is already one of the most anticipated boxing matches of the year.

Tyson, a former heavyweight champion, is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Paul, a YouTube star, has made a name for himself in boxing in recent years, defeating former UFC champion Tyron Woodley twice.

The fight is expected to be a competitive one, and it is sure to draw a large audience.