Mike Tyson shows power in open training as he prepares for Jake Paul

On By Littum

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IRVING, Texas – It was Mike Tyson in the flesh – and in the ring.

For months, the public has only seen video clips of the former world heavyweight champion training for the fight against Jake Paul. But during an open workout Tuesday night, Tyson, 58, gave a glimpse of what could be ahead when he fights Paul on Friday night at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

All 14 boxers on the fight card participated in the open workouts, but none received cheers as loud as Tyson’s. He rewarded hundreds of spectators at the Toyota Music Factory by showing glimpses of his old power.

“Kick his ass, Mike,” was a popular chant as fans made it clear they wanted Tyson to hit Paul as hard as he hit the mitts on one of his trainers on Tuesday night.

Although the session clearly impressed the audience, it only lasted about three minutes.

“When I agreed to this fight and I started training, I was like, ‘What the hell am I thinking?’ ” Tyson said in the ring after his workout. “And I finished the process and now the match is the party.

“All the hard work is done.”

The training sessions culminated with Paul. He boxed while wearing a rooster wig, a nod to his newest nickname, El Gallo.

“I feel really good,” Paul said during his in-ring interview. “Sharp, powerful, explosive. And it’s going to be a short night for Mike.”