Mike Tyson opened up Saturday about a health issue he suffered just months before his highly anticipated fight against YouTuber boxer Jake Paul.
“I almost died in June,” Tyson wrote in a post on X.
He continued: “I have had eight blood transfusions. I lost half my blood and 25 pounds in the hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight, so I won.”
In May, the former heavyweight champion suffered a medical emergency during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles.
His representatives at the time noted that he became “nauseated and dizzy” due to an “undistinct flare-up” 30 minutes before landing.
Tyson was described as doing “great” a day after the medical episode.
His Netflix-streamed fight with Paul, who is less than half the former heavyweight champion’s age, was ultimately postponed to this month due to health concerns.
Tyson’s comments came after he fought all eight rounds prior to his unanimous decision loss to Paul at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
The 58-year-old described Friday’s fight in his post on X as “one of those situations where you lost but still won.”
‘I’m grateful for last night. I have no regrets about being in the ring one last time,” said Tyson, who retired in 2005 and last fought in an exhibition fight in 2020.
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He later continued, “For my kids to see me stand toe-to-toe and finish eight rounds with a talented fighter half my age, in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy Stadium, is an experience no one has the right to have.” to ask. Thank you 🙏”
Paul gave Tyson his flowers in a post-fight interview with combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani.
“Let’s give it up for Mike, man, he’s a legend. He’s the best to ever do it.” Paul declared.
“He’s the GOAT. I look up to him, I am inspired by him and without him we wouldn’t be here today. This man is an icon and it’s just an honor to fight him. He’s obviously the toughest and baddest guy in the world, so it was really tough as I expected.”