Mike Tyson Reveals He Almost Died in June and Had to ‘Get Healthy to Fight’ Jake Paul: ‘Lost but Still Won’

Boxing legend Mike Tyson has opened up about his recent health issues – just a day after losing to Jake Paul in a boxing match.

On Saturday, November 16, the former heavyweight titleholder, 58, shared a heartfelt statement on X (formerly Twitter), revealing that he “almost died” in June and had undergone multiple blood transfusions to recover.

This is one of those situations where you lose but still win, Tyson wrote. “I’m thankful for last night. I don’t regret stepping into the ring for the last time.”

“I almost died in June. I had 8 blood transfusions. I lost half my blood and 25 pounds in the hospital and I had to fight to get better to fight so I won,” he continued. “For my kids to see me go toe-to-toe and finish 8 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 ask for. Thank you 🙏.”

The post was in reference to a life-threatening ulcer that significantly affected the heavyweight champion’s health and forced him to postpone his first fight with Paul, originally scheduled for July.

Jake Paul and Mike Tyson are boxing on November 15, 2024.

Sarah Stier/Getty

Mike Tyson and Jake Paul postpone their fight because Tyson was diagnosed with an ulcer

The fighter recounts his ordeal in the Netflix documentary Countdown: Paul vs. Tysonwhich was announced ahead of the game on November 15.

“I asked the doctor: ‘Am I going to die?’ ” Tyson recalls in the document. “And she didn’t say no. She said we still have options. That’s when I got nervous”.

Tyson faced former YouTube star Jake Paul, 27, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Friday. Thousands of fans attended the event, which was streamed live on Netflix.

Paul responded to Tyson’s statement on X with a message of support, writing: “I love you Mike. It was an honor. You are an inspiration to us all.”

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Jake Paul and Mike Tyson fight on November 15, 2024.

Sarah Stier/Getty

Tyson brought a fierce competitive spirit to the bout, telling ESPN reporters that he was “bringing the devil himself [to the ring]”before the fight.

“There are no feelings. My own mother should be very careful if she has to step into the ring with me. When it’s over, it’s over. But while the process is going on, my intention is to hurt him. I hope he has the same intentions or is in problem”, he added.

The pair then got into a physical altercation at the weigh-ins on Thursday, November 14, with Tyson slapping Paul in the face. Paul was seemingly unperturbed and later described the incident as a “pinch me” moment in a post on X.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education