Former world champion Tony Bellew was escorted out of Jake Paul and Mike Tyson’s press conference in Texas after gatecrashing the evening.
The retired cruiserweight champion stormed the event to deliver a rant aimed at Paul in an apparent Paddy Power stunt.
Bellew was stood alongside an elder gentleman, seemingly taking a shot at the 31-year age gap between Tyson and Paul.
Security swiftly removed Bellew from the venue as Paul looked on bemused at the interruption.
The incident occurred during the build-up to Friday’s heavyweight showdown between Paul and 58-year-old Tyson.
Earlier this week, Bellew had criticised Paul for targeting older fighters, particularly regarding the match with Tyson.
“Mike Tyson’s a granddad,” Bellew said.
Tony Bellew gatecrashed the press conference
GETTY
“He’s 58 years old. He’s closing in on 60 and he’s fighting a man who isn’t even half his age.”
The former champion was particularly scathing about Paul’s choice of opponents, stating: “The Disney Boy is just attacking granddads now. It’s truly frightening. I mean, we might as well go to the retirement home and start getting out a few of them.”
Bellew also questioned Paul’s future strategy, asking: “If he wins, is he going to keep going like that with the age?”
At the press conference, Tyson remained notably reserved just two days before his return to the ring.
It will be Tyson’s first fight since his eight-round draw against Roy Jones Jr four years ago.
Paul directly challenged Tyson’s fighting talk during the event, saying: “He’s says he’s going to kill me, is that right? I want that killer, I want there to be no excuses when I knock him out.”
The social media star appeared unfazed by Tyson’s threats, maintaining his confident demeanour throughout the press conference.
Responding to being called a “manufactured killer” by Tyson, Paul remained defiant.
“Whatever he wants to think, everyone’s entitled to their opinion but the deadliest weapon on the planet is manufactured, it’s a nuke,” Paul declared.
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Ariel Helwani hosted the press conference
REUTERS
The YouTuber-turned-boxer was emphatic about the fight’s potential outcome.
“Someone’s getting put to sleep, it’s going to be a war,” Paul stated.
He concluded with a bold prediction about the heavyweight clash: “We’re both heavy hitters and it’s not going the distance.”
Jake Paul and Mike Tyson fight on Friday night
REUTERS