Mike Tyson is opening up about his harrowing health journey just days after facing Jake Paul in a boxing match.
On Saturday (November 16), the boxing legend took to X to share that he “almost died” earlier this year. Tyson revealed he underwent eight blood transfusions and lost 25 pounds just one month before his Netflix bout with Jake Paul was initially scheduled—and five months before the fight finally unfolded on Friday night.
“This is one of those situations when you lost but still win,” the 58-year-old tweeted in his first statement since the match. “I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in ring one last time.”
He continued: “I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs 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,” Tyson added.
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. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.
To…
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) November 16, 2024
Saturday’s fight marked Tyson’s first sanctioned match since 2005.
Back in June, the former heavyweight champion suffered a life-threatening medical emergency caused by an ulcer flare-up while on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles. The ordeal forced him to postpone his original July fight with Paul.
In the Netflix documentary Countdown: Paul vs. Tyson, the fighter recounted the scare. “I asked the doctor, ‘Am I going to die?’” he shared. “And she didn’t say no. She said, ‘We have options, though.’ That’s when I got nervous.”
Tyson faced off against social media star Jake Paul, 27, on Friday at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Paul defeated Tyson with scores of 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73.
Despite the loss, Tyson walked away with a $20 million payday, while Paul earned about $40 million, according to CBS News.
“Love you, Mike. It was an honor. You’re an inspiration to us all,” Paul replied to Tyson’s statement on X.
Love you Mike. It was an honor. You’re an inspiration to us all.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) November 16, 2024
