MIKE TYSON revealed he “almost died” by a health scare before his controversial fight with Jake Paul.
Tyson, 58, lost his return fight against the much younger Paul, 27, who won via unanimous decision on Friday at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.
Iron Mike went through all of the eight rounds despite his advanced age but was defeated on points against the YouTuber turned boxer on Netflix.
The fight was initially scheduled to take place on July 20 but the heavyweight legend suffered a medical emergency on board a flight as a result of an ulcer flare up that postponed the fight.
Tyson took to social media to share a touching statement revealing his health took a nosedive and that almost cost his life in June.
The American said he lost half his blood as well as 25lbs (1.8st) and required EIGHT blood transfusions.
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However, the former heavyweight champion is grateful for the opportunity to return to the ring despite the outcome.
Tyson tweeted: “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 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.”
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This isn’t the first time Tyson goes into detail about the health scare he suffered.
The Baddest Man on the Planet added that this whole crisis did affect his training ahead of the fight with Paul.
Tyson previously said: “I was in the bathroom throwing up blood. I asked the doctor, ‘Am I going to die?’ He said, ‘We have options’. 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.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
