Tyson at it again but denies differences with promoter

Warren had been glued to Tyson’s side for the duration of his stay in London for his British debut against julius francis in January.

Tyson, asked if he had assaulted Warren, replied: “No sir, I did not. I love Frank Warren.”

A spokesman for American cable television company Showtime, who chaired the conference in Warren’s absence, said Warren was in London “dealing with several legal matters. We delayed the conference in the hope Warren would be able to attend but he missed his plane.”

A source close to Warren insisted, contrary to reports, he did not have a broken jaw or a fractured cheekbone.

The alleged argument is believed to stem from an unpaid bill of $630,000 which was accrued during Tyson’s last visit to Britain in January.

Lawyers for the Bond street jewellers Graff diamonds have confirmed that they have issued a writ over the unpaid bill.

Managing director Laurence Graff said in a statement: “Tyson is saying Warren promised to pay for the jewellery, while Warren is denying this and saying Tyson is liable.

“All I know is that Tyson has been in possession of the jewellery since January and Graff has not received a penny of the $630,000 which is due.”

Tyson’s camp continues to insist that the former world heavyweight champion is in peak condition for the Hampden Park bout, but Thursday’s press conference did nothing to allay fears about his mental readiness.

Since his delayed arrival in London last weekend following the death of a close friend, who was shot dead, Tyson’s behaviour has been unpredictable even by his standards.

He cancelled a scheduled open workout 10 minutes before it was due to begin in London on Tuesday. And earlier yesterday he emerged from a short gym session in the city wearing a kilt, and clambered on top of his silver Mercedes to pose for photographs.

Tyson admitted the shooting of his friend had hurt him but said he had no doubts about pressing ahead with the bout.

“He’s been my best friend for 35 years but I’m a pro and he would have wanted me to fight so I’m just happy to be here,” Tyson said adding “I’ve never cared about the public. I enjoy doing what I do — I enjoy hurting people. That’s what I like to do. I’m in the hurt business.”

Savarese no doubt believes privately that his chances of causing a massive upset are improving by the day, but in public he and his camp are taking nothing for granted.

In a thinly-disguised dig at Tyson, Savarese’s trainer Jesse Reid said: “Lou is in tremendous condition. I’m proud of his mental state. He’s very much in control and he knows what’s in front of him. It’s a great opportunity and, believe me, he’s going to take advantage of it.”