Tyson claims he almost died after passing out on a flight (Image: undefined)
Former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson seems to be relishing some downtime after his boxing face-off with Jake Paul.
The 58 year old went head-to-head with the YouTuber-turned-boxer in November, marking Tyson’s first professional match since his loss to Kevin McBride in 2005.
However, he did participate in an exhibition bout against legendary boxer Roy Jones Jr in 2020 before his encounter with ‘The Problem Child. ‘ The fight with the 27 year old was a significant challenge for ‘Iron Mike,’ primarily due to the vast age difference.
As such, the seasoned boxer had to take his training for the match very seriously. Tyson wowed many with his toned physique ahead of the heavyweight clash.
Mike Tyson looks drastically different just weeks after Jake Paul fight (Image: itstyson20/Instagram)
Despite looking sharp in training, he couldn’t turn back time on the night of the fight as his age was evident in Texas. Although he didn’t manage to secure a knockout, Paul sailed to a unanimous decision victory, extending his professional boxing record to 11-1.
Seven weeks post-fight, Tyson has been enjoying a well-deserved break and has put on a bit of weight. After an intense and exhausting training camp, it seems the American’s focus isn’t on the ring as he spent the Christmas period with his family.
Ahead of his bout with Paul, Tyson confessed to a near-death experience. On Twitter, the boxing icon penned: “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 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 match against Paul was initially scheduled for July but got delayed due to Tyson’s health scare on a plane.
Discussing the ordeal before their fight, Tyson disclosed to New York Magazine: “I was in the bathroom throwing up blood.”
“I asked the doctor, ‘Am I going to die? ‘ He said, ‘We have options.’ Options? I couldn’t believe it. I had, like, eight blood transfusions. The doctor said I lost half my blood. I almost died.”
“I lost 25 pounds in 11 days. Couldn’t eat. Only liquids. Every time I went to the bathroom, it smelled like tar. Didn’t even smell like s*** anymore. It was disgusting.
“It threw me off [when I continued training]. All my coordination, stamina, everything was hectic getting back. I was peaked already. I could have fought him that day. Now I got to start from scratch. I just don’t give up. I’m an a****** sometimes. I’m a d***. If I haven’t outlived my enemies, I’ve turned them into my friends.”