Mike Tyson reveals he ‘almost died in June’ in first statement since Jake Paul loss

Mike Tyson | Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images for Netflix © 2024

Mike Tyson overcame more than anyone knew Friday night.

Tyson lost a unanimous decision to Jake Paul in their eight-round boxing match that was one of the biggest sporting events of the year. Despite the broad public interest, the bout itself was underwhelming as the 58-year-old Tyson struggled to do much of anything against the man 30 years his junior, with Paul even claiming he tried not to injure Tyson. Still, given the massive age gap, many praised Tyson for being able to compete at all; an accomplishment made even more impressive given where Tyson was earlier this year.

On Saturday, Tyson released his first statement since the bout, saying he had no regrets about getting back into the ring and revealing that he “almost died” this summer.

“This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in [the] 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 and Paul were originally scheduled to fight back in July but the bout was postponed after Tyson suffered a medical episode in May. Following the event, Tyson and his team assured everyone that things were “great” for the former heavyweight champion but based on Tyson’s latest statement that was perhaps an optimistic perspective.

And in a show of class, Paul even weighed in on Tyson’s last dance, calling his foe an “inspiration.”

“Love you Mike. It was an honor. You’re an inspiration to us all.”

It’s unclear what, if anything, comes next for Tyson. Following the bout, he appeared to perhaps angle for a fight with Jake Paul’s brother Logan Paul, though his contention that this bout was “one last time” could indicate that “Iron Mike” is done for good.