November 14th 2024.
Tony Bellew caused quite a stir at the press conference for the highly anticipated Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight. The former British world champion boxer and I'm a Celebrity star had everyone's attention as he pulled off a prank that left everyone in awe.
The press conference, held at the Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas, had just begun when Bellew, who is 41 years old, made a sudden and bizarre disturbance. After asking a few questions to the panel, sports broadcaster Ariel Helwani opened the floor to media and fans for more questions.
As a reporter was about to ask a question, Bellew stood up from his seat, sporting a Paddy Power shirt, and tried to speak into a barely functioning microphone. In a clear voice, he called out Jake Paul, who he referred to as "the biggest clown in boxing." Bellew then proceeded to introduce an "opponent" for Paul, an older gentleman dressed in a boxing robe and shadow boxing in the background.
"This guy's got two hips, ready to take you on, Jake. He's a 107-year-old great grandfather, and he's not afraid of you," Bellew taunted. Security finally intervened and escorted Bellew out of the venue, much to the relief of everyone present.
Bellew, who was "inspired" by the legendary Mike Tyson while growing up, expressed his concerns for Tyson's well-being. However, he also dismissed Jake Paul's threat, labeling him as a "Disney Channel" boxer who is not on the same level as Tyson.
"One of the reasons I became a world champion was because of Mike Tyson. He inspired an entire generation, and even though I wasn't part of his era, I stayed up late to watch his fights in the early '90s," Bellew shared with Mail Sport via Paddy Power.
He continued, "Mike Tyson was a hero and an icon to me. He is one of the kings of the sport. Of course, when you're fighting someone half your age, you have to be concerned. But thankfully, Mike is not facing an established fighter or a world champion. He's up against someone who used to be on the Disney Channel, so it's not like he's in any real danger."
Bellew also had some words for Jake Paul, acknowledging his business acumen but also crediting Tyson for making the fight possible. "Let's be clear: Jake Paul is only able to do this because of Mike Tyson. He needed Tyson to make this fight happen. Without Mike, none of this would be possible."
The former WBC cruiserweight champion also expressed his hope for a knockout from Tyson, saying, "I just want to see Mike Tyson knock him out. Jake Paul is playing a dangerous game, but he doesn't know the tricks of the trade like Tyson does."
Bellew, who also came in second place in the 23rd series of the popular ITV show I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here, even joked about what he would do if Paul actually won the fight. "I would show my bottom to the Vatican if Jake Paul ever went into an Amateur Boxing Association championship and won. And that's the Amateur Boxing Association championships. I highly doubt he would stand a chance against any decent amateur boxer."
In the end, Bellew's prank may have caused a brief disruption, but it only added to the excitement leading up to the fight. Fans can't wait to see what will happen when the 58-year-old Tyson and the 27-year-old Paul finally face off in the ring.
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