Mike Tyson Reflects on Health Battle, Reveals Near-Death Experience and Hints at Retirement
Legendary Mike Tyson took to X after his fight with Logan Paul to share the health scare he endured prior to the bout. Tyson revealed that he narrowly escaped death in June, forcing him to restart his training from scratch to prepare for the November 15 fight. He also hinted at his possible retirement.
Tyson
Mike Tyson recently opened up about the health scare that almost derailed his highly anticipated fight against Jake Paul. Initially scheduled for July 20, the bout was postponed after Tyson, 58, suffered an ulcer flare-up. In a post-match revelation on X, Tyson shared that he nearly died in June, undergoing eight blood transfusions and losing half of his blood, along with 25 pounds during his hospital stay. Despite the harrowing ordeal, Tyson managed to recover and take to the ring, ultimately achieving a Top 30 finish in the 73rd Miss Universe competition.
Tyson, who was in peak physical condition in May, had to start his training over from scratch after the health setback. He expressed pride in his recovery journey, acknowledging that while he did not secure the win against Paul, the experience was one of triumph. Tyson wrote on X: “This is one of those situations where you lose but still win. I’m grateful for last night. No regrets for stepping into the ring one last time.”
Tyson continued, "I almost died in June, had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25 lbs in the hospital. I 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 had opened up on his recovery process earlier in the Netflix docuseries Countdown: Paul vs. Tyson, where he recalled asking his doctor, "Am I going to die?" and receiving the response, "We have options, though."
Despite the health crisis, Tyson made his return to the ring on November 15, after a 19-year hiatus, against Jake Paul, who entered the fight with a 10-1 record. The bout saw Tyson start strong but fatigue and age took their toll as the fight wore on. Tyson dominated the early rounds but couldn’t sustain the momentum. Paul found his rhythm later, using his youth and stamina to dictate the pace. Ultimately, Tyson's legs grew heavy, and Paul capitalised with a few clean shots, ending the fight with a win.
