Experts in body language highlighted that there was much more happening than what an untrained observer might see when Mike Tyson and Jake Paul confronted each other at AT&T Stadium, where they are set to fight on November 15.

Upon YSL News’ request, six experts analyzed footage of the encounter between Tyson, age 58, and Paul, age 27, which occurred at the center of the field and other locations inside the stadium just before the Cowboys faced off against the New Orleans Saints.

A handshake stood out during the evaluation.

This handshake was initiated by Paul after the two men maintained a direct gaze for approximately 12 seconds at midfield.

Lillian Glass, a body language analyst who specializes in interpersonal communication, commented on Paul’s action: “He is the first to extend his hand, which is somewhat of a power move.”

Greg Williams, who examines how body language can influence negotiation results, observed that the handshake represented more than just a greeting.

“Paul flips Tyson’s hand over,” Williams pointed out. “That momentarily puts Paul in a dominating position.”

In response, Tyson covered Paul’s hand with his left, giving it a quick double tap.

“This suggests a message of ‘No, I’m in charge,'” according to Williams.

Tyson’s actions conveyed even more, according to Tonya Reiman, a body language consultant and corporate trainer.

“He slaps (Paul’s) hand, indicating that he sees himself as the dominant figure in this interaction, and then he walks away first,” Reiman stated. “This behavior denotes a clear lack of respect. I don’t believe Tyson does this to put on an act.”

Different Interpretations of the Same Handshake

Not all body language specialists interpreted the handshake the same way; it lasted just over one second.

Mark Edgar Stephens, another body language expert who offers coaching and consulting services, mentioned in an email to YSL News: “What stands out is how Tyson consistently appears almost as a supportive ‘master of the sport,’ offering a helping hand to Paul, a less experienced fighter.”

“At times, covering one hand with the other in a handshake can signify dominance, if it’s an assertive gesture. However, Tyson applies it in a more nurturing manner, providing a caring, ‘sheltering’ effect during the handshake. It’s heartening to witness such a self-aware and supportive demeanor from a seasoned fighter like Tyson.”

Traci Brown, a body language analyst specializing in investigations and sales techniques, pointed out details about Tyson’s facial expressions during the handshake.

“When one shakes hands and also covers the back of the other hand, it’s often an attempt to form a deeper connection,” Brown explained via email. “Moreover, Tyson appeared to smile with his eyes as he approached, and his mouth had a slight smile as well, indicating that the typical intimidation expected from such confrontations wasn’t present.”

Rivals or Allies on Fight Night?

Williams noted that Tyson’s lack of blinking during the encounter was significant.

“Ordinary people blink around 15 to 20 times a minute,” Williams mentioned. “However, throughout these clips, I couldn’t observe Tyson blink at all, which may indicate intimidation. This is a subtle yet powerful body language tactic intended to unsettle someone during a stare down.”

In a different confrontation, this time in the stands, Paul again extended his hand toward Tyson, who glanced at Paul’s hand before stepping back.

“Paul seems to be stepping away from Tyson while offering his hand,” Williams observed. “It’s unusual to extend your hand while simultaneously moving back. This suggests something more.”

“I would have appreciated another three seconds of that video.”

Unfortunately, the footage ends too abruptly to determine if they ultimately shook hands.

Nevertheless, there was a moment when Paul playfully sprayed Tyson with deodorant, provoking a smile from Tyson.

“I believe this indicates a mentorship dynamic,” Brown stated. “I suspect Tyson will be fierce but also won’t go down without a fight.”

Williams suggested that the term “frenemies” came to his mind while viewing the footage of the two fighters.

“This implies a camaraderie filled with simulated hostility simply because they know they have to perform for the cameras,” Williams noted. “I could easily envision these two enjoying a drink together after the fight.”

So, will Tyson manage to reconnect with the fierce instincts that made him a feared boxer? Can Paul unleash his full energy against someone he fondly refers to as “Uncle Mike”?

“I often state that an entity tends to revert to behaviors that made it successful,” remarked Gregory Hartley, a body language analyst and former Army interrogator. “And often, that doesn’t imply healthy behavior. Sometimes it’s also detrimental to one’s health.

“What (Tyson) exhibits is sheer instinct. When I mention instinct, I mean that it emerges from constant practice—repetition, repetition, repetition. They will have the capacity to activate that instinct when the moment arises.”

Stephens pointed out that the situation could be more complex.

“How can two fighters, who hold mutual respect and admiration for each other, engage in combat?” he pondered. “Throughout history, from Roman gladiators to present-day athletes, the blend of respect and admiration has always conflicted with the primal urge to defeat and prevail over opponents. If and when the moment comes for Mike Tyson and Jake Paul to face off in the ring, the internal struggle and its impact could be just as intriguing as the boxing match unfolding on the outside.”

Connect with Josh Peter on social media @joshlpeter11