Tony Bellew has admitted he would fight Jake Paul for financial reasons amid criticism surrounding the 27-year-old’s upcoming bout with Mike Tyson.
Paul and Tyson are set to lock horns in Texas on November 15, despite a staggering 31-year age gap between the two men.
Bellew has been critical of Paul, with the former boxing star enraged that he’s still going ahead with his showdown with Tyson.
Speaking exclusively to GB News via AceOdds, the Briton has admitted there’s no desire on his part to face the American.
However, Bellew did concede that he’d consider it for the right price.
“I’ve got no real hunger or desire to face Jake Paul if I’m being totally honest,” he admitted when quizzed about a potential showdown.
“Do I want to? No, not really. But would I? Yes. Everyone’s got a price.
“I would, yeah, absolutely, but do I want to? Not really, no.”
Earlier in the year, Tyson was forced to push the fight back after suffering an ulcer flare up.
He has since revealed he’s struggling to walk, though is confident he’ll be able to operate at the peak of his powers when he returns to the ring.
Bellew hopes the 58-year-old doesn’t have to withdraw again. However, he also feels the ‘writing is on the wall’.
“When you’ve got to pull out because of health reasons, then the writing’s on the wall really, isn’t it? That’s just me speaking out loud, but I hope he doesn’t,” he added.
“I just hope he’s healthy. That’s all I hope for.
“He’s Mike Tyson, he’s a legend of the sport and he’s one of the icons, one of the greats. I just hope he remains healthy and safe.”
Some have queried Paul’s motives for fighting Tyson.
After all, victory would do little to boost his reputation given he’s fighting a man who was past his best when he lost his last professional clash to Kevin McBride in 2005.
And Bellew says the only thing Paul gets is ‘financial freedom’.
“More financial freedom, I don’t think there’s anything more that can be gained,” he said.
“He gains nothing from boxing fans. From real boxing ones, it’s a freak show, it’s a gimme, it’s a joke and that’s just how it is.
“There’s nothing that this guy can do that’s going to solidify his place amongst boxers and get respect because he’s not facing boxers. Until you face a professional boxer and beat one, face an English champion, you’ll get an awful lot of respect then.
“Face a British champion, face a European journeyman and win. But he doesn’t. He’s very smart.
“I’ve gotta give him his due. From a business perspective, he’s super, super smart. I’ve gotta credit him on that. That’s the one thing I’ll give him.
“But when it comes to it, it’s just sad what he’s doing. It really is. It’s just in no way, shape or form can be condoned but it is what it is.
“People pay to tune in and watch. He’s got a huge audience and you’ve just got to say to him well done on that.”
