Tony Bellew doesn't believe Jake Paul's claim that he could beat Canelo Alvarez within three years - and thinks the YouTube star is just searching for a reaction.
Paul has frequently called out the undisputed 168lb ruler and is confident he can beat the Mexican and become world champion in the sport. Bellew has recently feuded with Paul over his presence in boxing, with the pair coming face-to-face during Katie Taylor's victory over Amanda Serrano.
Despite their previous words, Bellew believes Paul is "bright and intelligent" which is why he has claimed he wants to share the ring with Alvarez. "He doesn't think he can beat Canelo. Stop, please stop," Bellew said during an interview with iFL TV.
"He doesn't believe that he is a bright kid, he is intelligent. He says things for reactions and he isn't going to get a reaction out of me."
A fight between Paul and Bellew was previously touted to the star while he was with promoter Eddie Hearn, to which the 25-year-old claimed he did not know the former cruiserweight champion. Bellew later issued a heated response on social media to the viral conversation, tweeting: "What the f*** is going on? I have social media going on and all kinds going on to me about Jake Paul?
"Yes I’ve seen a video because 20 people have sent me it! Madness! My only response to it is, my claim to fame isn’t Creed son! It’s winning the WBC belt. Oh and smashing your coach too.
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"Just in case you needed to know what I look like Jake Paul this is me! The other is how your coach got to know me! Creed was Pretty Ricky Conlan! What this is Tony Bellew! Do not wake the f****** animal up that’s been dead for years."
Paul had previously stated he would like to face Alvarez, with the 31-year-old refusing to rule out a future meeting with the YouTube star. He had also claimed he would like to fight the four-weight champion in the final fight of his career.
The rising star has since mocked Alvarez in the aftermath of his defeat to Dmitry Bivol and believes his size advantage will play a huge factor in any fight. "And just like that Canelo Alvarez loses to Dmitry Bivol," he said in a video posted on social media. "An amazing fight by Bivol. I'm two inches bigger than Bivol and 40lb heavier.
"Give me three years and I take out Canelo in the same way. He was up on the ropes like he won but he only won three rounds in the entire fight. I'm coming and I'm beating Canelo in three f***ing years, I put that on my mama. Congrats to Dmitry Bivol, he showed Canelo is easily beatable by a bigger man which is what I've known for a long time."
