Retired boxer Tony Bellew warned Jake Paul not to hurt Mike Tyson.
On Friday night, many questions will be answered when 27-year-old Paul faces 58-year-old Tyson in a professional boxing match. The controversial matchup features 14-ounce gloves, eight two-minute rounds, and no headgear.
Earlier this week, Paul and Tyson met for a final press conference to promote the Netflix-broadcasted event. The media questions were temporarily interrupted when Bellew, a former English boxer, showed up with an older gentleman. Bellew mocked Paul by claiming the elder man could be his next opponent.
Following the viral encounter, Bellew did a short interview with Radio Rahim of Seconds Out. He issued an intense warning to Paul by saying:
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"This is my sport, not yours. This is the sport that I gave my life to, not you. Please have some respect and don't hurt Mike [Tyson] because Mike is a hero to me. Mike is a hero to our age group, our demographic, our area, our code. Mike Tyson is a hero and all I do is love Mike. So, I hope he stays safe. Jake Paul, if you hurt Mike, I'm going to personally hunt you and knock you the f*ck out." [5:08-5:31]
Watch Tony Bellew's entire interview with Seconds Out below:
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson is scheduled to take place inside the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Paul enters the matchup with a professional boxing record of 10-1 after securing a sixth-round finish against Mike Perry in July.
Who else is fighting at Friday's event besides Jake Paul and Mike Tyson?
There's no doubt that a majority of fans are watching Friday's event for Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson. With that said, Paul's Most Valuable Promotions has established an intriguing undercard that should attract viewers to tune in early.
In the co-main event, the undisputed women's super lightweight world title status is on the line in a must-see rematch. Katie Taylor secured a split decision win in her first meeting against Amanda Serrano in April 2022. Serrano now looks to return the favor and deliver another instant classic.
Friday's undercard also features undefeated rising star Bruce Carrington, Mario Barrios vs. Abel Ramos (WBC welterweight world title), Shadasia Green vs. Melinda Watpool (WBO women's super middleweight world title), and more.