University of Northampton journalism student quizzes boxers live at Mike Tyson comeback press conference

University of Northampton multimedia sports journalism student Harry Davies

'The experience was very surreal and is exactly the type of thing I want to be doing full-time when I graduate'

A University of Northampton journalism student quizzed two professional boxers at a press conference for Mike Tyson’s comeback fight.

Harry Davies got to ask questions to undercards Rashad Coulter and Viddal Riley during the event, which was live-streamed on YouTube on October 29.

The third-year multimedia sports journalism student, who writes for MMA cage fighting website, Bloody Elbow, was only given 24 hours' notice to prepare.

“Given how little time I had to prepare for the press conference, I was up all night until 6am planning potential questions for the fighters on the card, as I didn’t know who I would be speaking to until the following day," he said.

“I was informed the next day I was talking to former UFC fighter Rashad Coulter and Viddal Riley, who is known for being the boxing coach of internet celebrity KSI.

"What I didn’t realise is the press conference would be broadcasted on BT Sport’s YouTube channel to their three-million subscribers - the video now has over 500,000 views on the channel.”

The press conference previewed ex-undisputed world heavyweight champion Tyson's return aged 54 against former four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr.

Harry, 22, asked the American Rashad about his plans for after the fight on November 28, and Brit Riley about x - he is on at 14 minutes 22 seconds:

“The experience was very surreal and is exactly the type of thing I want to be doing full-time when I graduate from my degree,” he said.

“I am in my last year now, and have gained a lot of valuable experience during my three years on the course.

"I am currently doing my best to manage my workload on a weekly basis for Bloody Elbow, as well as my current assignments that will determine how well I do in my degree.”

Harry, who is from Ely, Cambridgeshire, got the job with Bloody Elbow after setting up his own MMA blog, The UFC Updates, when he was 16.

“I quickly gained a lot of experience covering the sport and worked my way up to write for the Bloody Elbow in 2018," he said.

“Since I’ve been writing for them, I have been able to interview some of the best fighters in the sport.

"But I think being a part of the Tyson press conference is the biggest highlight for me, so far.”