Mike Tyson Is “Grateful” He Got In The Ring “One Last Time” After He “Almost Died” This Year
Although Mike Tyson suffered defeat at the hands of Jake Paul during Friday’s fight, he feels like a champ for getting back in the ring.
The former undisputed world heavyweight champion explained why he’s “grateful” he participated in the boxing match, which aired live on Netflix with Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), after he suffered an ulcer flare-up in May that postponed the event.
“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,” the 58-year-old wrote on X. “I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25 lbs 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,” added Tyson.
After Friday’s match, Tyson said, “I didn’t prove nothing to anybody, only to myself. I’m not one of those guys that looks to please the world. I’m just happy with what I can do.”
And despite months of trash-talking his opponent, Paul appeared to have nothing but respect for Tyson after the win. “He’s a legend. He’s the greatest to ever do it. He’s the GOAT. I look up to him. I’m inspired by him, and we wouldn’t be here without him. He’s an icon. He’s the toughest man on the planet,” said ‘The Problem Child’.
Paul maintained a consistent lead against ‘Iron Mike’ at the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, landing 78 hits against Tyson’s 18 during the eight two-minute rounds. Paul threw 278 (28%) punches against Tyson’s 97 (18%).
Netflix announced the fight in March. Originally scheduled for July 20, the event was postponed when Tyson experienced his health scare in May. As the pair trained, Netflix aired the three-part docuseries Countdown: Paul Vs. Tyson this month.
Jake Paul and Mike Tyson during their heavyweight fight on Nov. 15, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Tyson has 50 wins and six losses, with 44 wins by knockout. Reigning as the undisputed heavyweight world champion from 1987 to 1990, Friday marked Tyson’s first professional fight since his 2020 match against Roy Jones Jr., which was declared a draw.
