Ariel Helwani has responded to claims suggesting Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul is 'scripted' following the slap incident at the weigh-ins.
Helwani had the best view in the house as Tyson slapped Paul during their final face-off at the ceremonial weigh-ins ahead of Friday's showdown, which will be aired exclusively on Netflix.
Read on to find out how to watch the fight if you don't have Netflix.
The veteran reporter interviewed both fighters on the stage as Tyson gave nothing away after his strike, with Paul erupting on the mic as he delivered a profanity-filled outburst.
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"It’s personal now. He must die," he exclaimed, grabbing the mic before walking off the stage.
After the weigh-ins, Helwani gave his instant reaction, where he opened up on the 'terrifying' detail in the clash between Tyson and Paul.
He also touched on claims the slap was 'scripted'.
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Helwani dismissed the idea that the weigh-in incident was a 'work', claiming Tyson's slap was 'legit'.
On his YouTube channel, he explained. "Look I see everyone online saying that's a work... that's WWE... that's scripted. I have no reason to say otherwise. I am telling you, I am not paid by MVP, I am working for Netflix, I am telling you that was as legit.
"Look at the photos. I mean it's absurd and it's from people who have never taken a punch or been in a fight or been close to fighters or anything like that.
"That was legit, and Jake got up in his face. This is not a game. He's different than the other people he's faced before. He is wired differently. You see him in the documentary, you see the way he talks, you see the dark place that he goes to, you see the way his mind works, you see the way he is philosophical about life and fighting. He's just different."
How to watch Paul vs Tyson if you don't have Netflix
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If you don't already have a subscription, Sky is currently offering a package including Netflix, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Sky Full Fibre 300 Broadband, all for just £36 as part of its Black Friday sale.
And when you take into consideration the fact that their Full Fibre 300 broadband normally costs £29 a month, for just £10 more you'll also get access to Netflix and Sky TV for not much more.
Topics: Mike Tyson, Jake Paul, Ariel Helwani, Boxing
Nasir Jabbar