Mike Tyson in awkward Jake Paul press conference saying just 21 words

Mike Tyson and Jake Paul faced off in a press conference ahead of their fight on Friday night, but Tyson was in no mood to talk as he gave very short answers

Mike Tyson gave away very little during an awkward press conference ahead of the much-anticipated bout with Jake Paul. Presented by Ariel Helwani, extracting detail from 'Iron Mike' proved as tough as can be.

After health setbacks pushed the original July 15 date to Friday night (Nov. 15) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, fans are primed for the long-awaited clash which has sparked widespread discussion.

During the latest promo, featuring all fighters on the card, Tyson stuck almost exclusively to short, minimal answers, leaving it to Helwani and Paul himself to try to pry more information. Paul probed, asking: "He says he's going to kill me, is that what you're going to do, Mike?".

Tyson's response? "I'm just ready", before giving on a masterclass in dodging several more questions.

Helwani pressed him on his famous recent quote about being a “natural born killer”, and Tyson simply replied: “That’s what I said”. When asked to expand, he just said: “It’s just what I said.”

He was also asked what he believe his famed former coach, Cus D'Amato, would make of the fight, simply stating: "He'd be very happy". Asked how D'Amato would advise him to beat Paul, he said again: "He'd be very happy".

At the point when the floor was opened to some pre-selected media questions, Tyson had said just 21 words. He said little more when he fielded a few more questions.

"I'm just ready to fight. I've said everything I had to say," he went on to deflect later on. Paul, contrastingly effusive, weighed in on Tyson saying: "It's cute. I fear no man so I want him to be that old, savage, Mike."

Paul responded to Tyson's previous claim that he was a natural born killer and Paul is simply "manufactured", stating: "Whatever he wants to think, everyone's entitled to their opinion. But the deadliest weapon on the planet is manufactured, and that's a nuke."

The YouTuber-turned-boxer also sported a diamond ear protector, a cheeky nod to Tyson infamously biting off a piece of Evander Holyfield's ear in his prime. He explained: "I'm not getting my s*** bit off on Friday night so I've got my diamond, spiked ear covers right there."