Jake Paul has come to the defence of boxing great Mike Tyson after footage emerged of him punching a fellow passenger on a flight.

The two have been linked with a potential fight in the future, but the ex-Disney star is on Tyson’s side after his latest controversy.

The 55-year-old threw a flurry of punches to the face of another passenger after he was reportedly antagonised in first-class on Wednesday.

In the video, someone is heard saying “Hey Mike, stop that!” while he is swinging for the man.

Paul took to Twitter to write: “If you’re being heckled in public like Mike Tyson was you should legally get a hall pass to beat someone’s a**.

“This generation thinks they can get away with anything.”

Jake Paul reacts to Mike Tyson controversy

In the viral video, the passenger is captured with cuts on his face in the aftermath of the incident, looking particularly unhappy.

The former world champion was removed from the plane after the scuffle which was due to depart on Wednesday from San Francisco.

Tyson’s representatives released a statement to explain what had happened on the plane.

The statement said: “Unfortunately, Mr Tyson had an incident on a flight with an aggressive passenger who began harassing him and threw a water bottle at him while he was in his seat.”

Mike Tyson plane controversy

San Francisco police also gave a statement about the incident, where they provided an update on what happened when officers arrived at the scene.

They said: “Officers arrived and detained two subjects that were believed to be involved in the incident. 

“One subject was treated at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries.

“The SFPD is aware of a video that possibly captured the incident, which surfaced following the initial investigation. 

“That video has been forwarded to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.”

Iron Mike has yet to confirm if he will ever fight in the ring again after his draw in 2020 against Roy Jones Jr.

Lots of rumours about possible opponents have surfaced, which include former foe Lennox Lewis or even Evander Holyfield. 

That would be a must see for boxing fans, but his age might mean that we don’t ever see Tyson in the ring again.