Mike Tyson admits he almost died before his fight with Jake Paul
(Image: AP)

Mike Tyson reveals he 'almost died' before Jake Paul fight as boxing legend breaks silence

16 Nov 2024, 21:44 by Isaac Seelochan · Manchester Evening News

Mike Tyson has shockingly revealed he "almost died" before his contentious defeat to Jake Paul.

The iconic boxer stepped into the ring in Arlington last Friday night, but it wasn't a triumphant return for the 58-year-old as he was outclassed by the younger Paul.

Although Tyson wasn't knocked out, he lost on points and has since opened up about the loss and the alarming decline in his health leading up to the fight. On Twitter, Tyson shared his thoughts: "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 eight 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 eight 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 bout was initially scheduled for July but got delayed due to Tyson's health scare during a flight. Speaking to New York Magazine before the fight, Tyson recounted the harrowing experience: "I was in the bathroom throwing up blood."

He recalled asking the doctor if he was going to die and being told: "We have options." Tyson was stunned, saying: "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."