Boxing legend Mike Tyson is sharing a deeply personal and emotional story about his health battle leading up to his fight with Jake Paul.
Just one day after losing to the YouTube star-turned-boxer on November 15, 2024, Tyson opened up on social media, revealing he nearly died from a serious medical condition earlier this year.
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In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, November 16, the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion explained the shocking health crisis that nearly cost him his life.
Tyson shared that he had been rushed to the hospital in June after suffering a severe ulcer, which caused him to lose half of his blood and 25 pounds.
“I almost died in June,” Tyson wrote. “Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight, so I won.”
He added that his recovery journey made it possible for him to step into the ring one last time.
Tyson reflected on the profound experience of fighting Jake Paul, noting the significance of the moment for both himself and his children.
“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 said, expressing his gratitude despite the outcome.
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The health scare that nearly ended his life had forced Tyson to postpone his originally scheduled fight with Paul, which was set for July.
Tyson revealed the gravity of his situation in the Netflix documentary Countdown: Paul vs. Tyson, where he recalled asking his doctor if he was going to die. “She didn’t say no,” he said, adding that it was a pivotal moment that made him nervous.
Tyson’s statement came after his highly anticipated match against Jake Paul at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Though Tyson lost the fight, Paul shared a message of support on social media, writing, “Love you Mike. It was an honor. You’re an inspiration to us all.”