Tony Bellew interrupted the press conference for Mike Tyson and Jake Paul’s upcoming fight by introducing a retiree as the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s next opponent.
A press conference was held on Wednesday to promote Mike Tyson’s expected comeback at the age of 58 against 27-year-old Paul.
As ESPN’s Andreas Hale opened questions from the media, Bellew, equipped with his own microphone, began speaking from one of the rows behind the press as part of a stunt for British bookmakers Paddy Power.
“It doesn’t matter what the question is,” Bellew says as the older gentlemen, dressed in green robes and green gloves, began shadowboxing next to him.
‘Jake Paul, the biggest clown in boxing. If Mike lets you survive Saturday night, I have your next opponent right here, Jake.”
Confused, host Ariel Helwani responded by asking if it was Bellew or British UFC star Darren Till who caused the disruption.
“It’s Tony Bellew, Ariel,” the Englishman confirmed. “Ariel, if Mike lets him survive Saturday night, I have a great-grandfather, not a grandfather [here].
‘This man has two hips, two new hips. So this guy is ready for him,” he continued. ‘He’s 107, he’s a great-grandfather. He’s going to give you the chance, I promise you that.’
“Come on, Jake, give this guy a chance,” he added as security tried to pull his microphone away before finally escorting him out of the event.
On 12 November, Bellew launched his partnership with Paddy Power with a promotional video scouting England for Paul’s next opponent.
Bellew then heads to a retirement home to test the male residents’ boxing and trash-can skills.
The piece is inspired by Paul fighting the boxing legend who is 30 years his senior and 19 years removed from his last professional fight.
Additionally, Paul has built a reputation for fighting MMA stars and other athletes past their prime. The Problem Child has wins over Tyron Woodley, Ben Askren, Anderson Silva, Nate Robinson, Nate Diaz and Mike Perry past the height of their powers.
The fight is expected to be the biggest gate for any boxing event outside of Las Vegas and will be the first live combat sports event to be streamed on Netflix.