Mike Tyson 'almost died' before Jake Paul fight, reveals health issues

Lucas Rezende

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Publish Date: 11/16/2024

It did not take long for boxing legend Mike Tyson to release a statement following his boxing match against internet celebrity Jake Paul on Friday night.

His fight with Paul was initially postposed for a few months, and now Tyson has revealed more details about it.

After losing via unanimous decision to the much younger opponent, the 58-year-old revealed some critical information on his official X account, which allegedly affected his performance.

Mike Tyson reveals details on health emergency before Jake Paul fight

Mike Tyson revealed more details his health emergency that previously postponed the Jake Paul fight. He mentioned having almost died last summer and briefly commented on how difficult it was to recover from blood transfusions in time for the boxing match.

"This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in ring one last time. I almost died in June," Tyson wrote. "Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25 lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.

"To have my children see me stand 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 that no man has the right to ask for. Thank you."

The last time Mike Tyson had stepped into a boxing ring for a professional bout was almost 20 years ago, when the veteran took on Kevin McBride in June 2005 and lost via corner retirement after six rounds. Nevertheless, it is also worth noting that 'Iron Mike' has also had a couple of exhibtion fights in the meantime, including a 2020 match against fellow legend Roy Jones Jr., which ended via split draw after eight rounds.

Despite having not won any of those last three fights, Tyson made sure to mention he was still grateful for the most recent opportunity in his to fans. According to the veteran, standing toe-to-toe against a young athlete such as Jake Paul was already an accomplishment on its own, especially when considering the hardships he had to endure ahead of the fight.

Jake Paul graceful in victory

Tyson was not the only one to share a message on the internet after the fight, though. Jake Paul himself also made sure to comment on it after yet another win against a legend of the sport. In a graceful post on X, the 'Problem Child' called Tyson an inspiration and expressed his admiration for his former opponent.

"Love you Mike. It was an honor. You’re an inspiration to us all." Paul wrote.

In fact, collecting wins against older legends of the sport is becoming quite the habit for Jake Paul. With the win over Tyson, the 27-year-old's record now improves to 11-1 and includes wins over former UFC champions Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley, as well as seasoned veterans such as Nate Diaz and Mike Perry.

Meanwhile, Mike Tyson's last professional win dates back to February 2003, when he scored a 43-second knockout win over Clifford Etienne.