Mike Tyson weighs in for his fight with Jake Paul (Image: Most Valuable Promotions)
Boxing legend Mike Tyson appears to be savouring some well-deserved downtime after his highly anticipated bout with social media personality Jake Paul. The 58-year-old boxing icon had stepped back into the ring in November, marking his first professional fight since his 2005 loss to Kevin McBride.
Although he had participated in an exhibition match against fellow boxing legend Roy Jones Jr in 2020, the fight against the 27-year-old Paul posed a significant challenge for Tyson, largely due to their substantial age difference. As a result, the seasoned boxer had to undergo rigorous training to prepare for the match.
Ahead of the fight, Tyson impressed many with his toned physique. However, on fight night in Texas, his age became apparent.
Despite not securing a knockout, Paul emerged victorious with a unanimous decision, bringing his professional boxing record to 11-1. Seven weeks after the fight, Tyson seems to be relishing a well-deserved break, having visibly gained weight in recent footage.
Following an intense and exhausting training camp, the American boxing legend’s focus has shifted from the ring to spending quality time with his family during the holiday season. Prior to his defeat at the hands of Paul, Tyson revealed that he had “almost died”.
Mike Tyson looks drastically different just weeks after Jake Paul fight (Image: itstyson20/Instagram)
Taking to Twitter, the legendary fighter shared: “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.”
Tyson claims he almost died after passing out on a flight (Image: getty)
Tyson was set to go head-to-head with Paul in July, but health concerns forced a delay when Tyson experienced a serious scare on a flight. Before the bout took place, Tyson recounted 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 —- anymore. It was disgusting. It threw me off [when I continued training].”
Despite the setback, Tyson’s unbeatable spirit came through as he explained his road to recovery: “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.”