Paul Butler laughed off threats from Zolani Tete that he's going to "break his nose" ahead of Friday night's IBF world super-flyweight title fight at the ECHO Arena.

The South African made the bold, and somewhat strange, claim during today's final press conference at Liverpool's Malmaison hotel.

Speaking during the conference, Tete, said: "I'm going to break his nose, I'm going to knock him out. I'm not the champion because I bought the title, I fought for it and I fought hard for it - and that's what's going to happen on Friday.

"I take nothing away from Paul, he's a good champion but we're not at the same level."

A bemused Butler was having none of it, saying: "I'm excited, it has been a long time coming. We know he travels well but he travels well against half-decent opponents. Now he's stepping into the ring with someone who is better than him, and believe me, I'm going to wear him down and knock him out.

"We know he's good, we know he's tall but I'm a better fighter. He's had 16 knockouts from his 19 wins but they haven't come in great company have they? He won't be able to cope with me in the ring."

Tickets, priced at £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 are on sale on now from the Liverpool Echo Arena Box Office on 0844 8000 400 or www.echoarena.com and Eventim on 0844 249 1000 or www.eventim.co.uk