Mike Tyson spoke just a few words, Jake Paul made crude references and Briton Tony Bellew was escorted out of the arena by security at a baffling news conference in Texas.
Former world heavyweight champion Tyson, 58, will face YouTuber-turned-fighter Paul, 27, at Dallas’ AT&T Stadium on Friday.
Tyson has not fought as a professional in 19 years and appeared disinterested as Paul dominated the microphone.
Paul tried to goad Tyson by asking him about comments made in a documentary where the former champion described himself as “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.
