Mike Tyson punches Jake Paul in the face during the final look down

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

After Tyson weighed in at 233 pounds, he turned to Paul for the final staredown before Friday’s clash at AT&T Stadium. Paul, who weighed a career-high 220 pounds, leaped forward from a crouching position to get close to the former heavyweight champion.

In response to Paul, 27, stepping into his personal space, Tyson unleashed an open-handed punch that compounded the blush on Paul’s face. The two were quickly separated by security as Paul played to the crowd, taunting Tyson and laughing at him.

A source close to Tyson told ESPN that Tyson was reacting to Paul “intentionally” stepping on his foot during the staredown. According to the source, Tyson was tired of Paul’s trash talk and stepping on his toes was the turning point for Tyson.

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

Tyson’s demeanor has changed over the past few days. He was chatty during Tuesday’s open practice, but seemed much more subdued at Wednesday’s press conference, giving short answers to questions from the media. On Thursday, he appeared to have had enough of the talk and was ready for action.

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