Mike Tyson spoke only briefly, Jake Paul made provocative remarks, and British fighter Tony Bellew was escorted out by security in a chaotic news conference in Texas.
The 58-year-old former world heavyweight champion Tyson is set to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, 27, at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Friday.
Having been out of professional boxing for 19 years, Tyson appeared disengaged while Paul took control of the microphone.
Paul attempted to provoke Tyson by referencing a documentary in which the former champion described himself as a “natural born killer.”
Tyson refused to play ball. “That’s what I said,” he replied.
Perhaps the most bizarre moment at Wednesday’s event at the Toyota Music Factory in Irving came when Liverpool’s Bellew inaudibly shouted into a microphone – which he had brought along – from the press area.
The chaos was quite fitting for an event criticised by many boxing purists, but it was given some credibility by the presence of pound-for-pound greats Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.
Light-welterweight champion Taylor edged her rival to win by split decision in an all-time classic in 2022.
The pair – who will compete for the undisputed title in the chief support – conducted themselves appropriately to build up to the richest fight in female boxing.
Ear covers and pro-Tyson crowd
Approximately 70,000 fans are expected to attend Friday’s fight, which will be streamed live on Netflix, with over 1,000—mostly Tyson supporters—showing up for the news conference.
Ohio native Jake Paul, who wore a diamond-studded ear cover, drew jeers as he referenced Tyson’s infamous 1997 title fight where Tyson bit a piece of Evander Holyfield’s ear.
When Paul referred to Tyson’s comments as “cute,” the former champion appeared uninterested or simply ignored the jab.
As one of the most controversial figures in sports, having been an undisputed champion and serving three years in prison for rape, Tyson grew visibly animated when asked by a reporter about the possibility of losing to Paul.
“I am not going to lose, did you hear what I said?” he shouted.