Mike Tyson explains why he slapped 'asshole' Jake Paul at weigh-ins

Mike Tyson says he slapped Jake Paul at Thursday's ceremonial weigh-ins because Paul stepped on his foot.

The former heavyweight champion slapped Paul in the face during the last stare-down before they step into the ring Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

"I was in my socks and he had on shoes. He stepped on my toe because he is a f-----g asshole," Tyson told the New York Post's Michael Kaplan moments after the incident. "I wanted to think it happened by accident. But now I think it may have happened on purpose.

"I was in a lot of pain. I had to reciprocate."

Tyson's slap went viral on social media, giving the fight one final boost before it streams live on Netflix.

Tyson, 58, is slated to compete in a professional bout for the first time in 19 years. Paul, 27, will fight for the fourth time since December and is seeking his sixth straight victory.