58-year-old "Iron Mike" spoke about the serious health problems he had before returning to the ring.
Former absolute world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson addressed fans after his defeat to popular blogger Jake Paul.
The legendary boxer, 58, revealed that he had been struggling with serious health issues ahead of the fight with the 27-year-old YouTube star.
“It's one of those situations where you lose but you still win. I'm grateful for last night. No regrets about stepping in the ring for the last time. I almost died in June. I had eight blood transfusions. I lost half my blood and 25 pounds in the hospital and had to fight to recover for the fight, so I won.
For my kids to see me stand alone and finish 8 rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a sold-out Dallas Cowboy Stadium is an experience no man should have the right to ask for. Thank you,” Tyson wrote on his X social media page.
See also: Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul: Fight Highlights (Video)
Paul defeated Tyson by unanimous decision – 80:72, 79:73, 79:73. The fight lasted 8 rounds of two minutes. It should be noted that this fight had an official status – the result was included in the statistics of both boxers.
See also: Mike Tyson – Jake Paul: statistics of boxers’ punches published
Let’s add that initially Tyson and Paul were supposed to meet in the ring on July 20, but due to the deterioration of “Iron Mike’s” health, the fight was postponed.
At the end of May, the legend felt ill during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles. Tyson began to feel nauseous and dizzy. It turned out that Mike's ulcer had worsened and he was hospitalized.
For Tyson, this was his first official fight since 2005, when he lost by technical knockout to Irishman Kevin McBride. Now, “Iron Mike” has 59 fights on his resume: 50 wins (44 by knockout) and 7 losses. Two more fights were declared no contest. Paul has 11 wins (7 by knockout) and one loss.
Earlier it was reported that the legendary Evander Holyfield reacted to Mike Tyson's defeat by Jake Paul.