Mike Tyson faced the world's media for the first time during the chaotic build-up to his Saturday night fight with Lou Savarese yesterday and categorically denied a having a row with promoter Frank Warren.
Warren was missing from the press conference at the Hilton Hotel and his continued absence from the pre-fight build-up continued to fuel speculation about an alleged incident in a London hotel earlier this week.
Warren had been glued to Tyson's side for the duration of his stay in London for his fight against Julius Francis in January.
Tyson, asked yesterday 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". The spokesman added: "We delayed the conference in the hope Mr Warren would be able to attend but he missed his plane."
A source close to Warren also insisted that, contrary to some reports, he did not have a broken jaw or a fractured cheekbone.
The alleged argument is believed to stem from an unpaid bill of £400,000 sterling 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". Tyson's camp continue to insist that he is in peak condition for the Hampden Park bout, but yesterday's farcical 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. 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 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. " "I've never cared about the public. I enjoying doing what I do - I enjoy hurting people. That's what I like to do. I'm in the hurt business."
