Mike Tyson revealed why he still fought Jake Paul, despite experiencing a serious health scare that nearly took his life before the match.
Mike Tyson, the famous boxer known as the “Baddest Man on the Planet,” recently fought Jake Paul, a popular YouTuber and boxer.
This fight was significant because it took place after Tyson faced a serious health scare.
Despite almost dying before the match, Tyson decided to go through with the fight.
Health scare before the fight
In May, Tyson was on a flight to Los Angeles when he became very ill.
He later revealed that he had an ulcer flare-up, which caused him to lose a lot of blood.
Tyson said he required eight blood transfusions during his hospital stay and lost about 25 pounds.
This health scare delayed his fight with Paul, originally scheduled for July, pushing it to November.
The fight against Jake Paul
When the fight finally happened, Tyson was 58 years old, while Paul was only 30.
Many fans worried about Tyson’s health and whether he should be fighting at all. However, Tyson felt he had something to prove.
He fought hard for eight rounds but ultimately lost the match by unanimous decision. After the fight, Tyson expressed no regrets.
He felt proud to have been in the ring and to have shown his children that he could still compete.
He stated that the experience was special, especially given how close he came to losing his life just months before.
“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.”
Mike Tyson reveals reason he fought Jake Paul despite near-death experience before match
One reason Tyson went through with the fight was his fear of legal issues.
In an interview, he admitted that he worried he might be sued if he decided to cancel.
Tyson explained, “I was worried about getting sued, you know. I was like, ‘God, they’re going to sue me if I don’t do this fight.’”
“And I had to have, what, 10 blood transfusions? Each time I do this, I was like the same doing Roy Jones as doing this one.
“My wife sees me screaming because my body is in so much pain. And I come home, I’m like, ‘Ah, ah!’ I promised I wouldn’t do this to myself.”
This pressure played a big role in his decision to continue with the event.
Tyson experienced intense pain during preparation.
Tyson’s fight preparation was not easy. He described intense pain due to his health condition.
His wife, Lakiha Spicer, witnessed his struggles and was concerned for his well-being.
Tyson mentioned that he often came home in pain, and he had promised himself he would not put his body through such stress again.
Tyson’s family played a crucial role in supporting him through this tough time.
His son, Amir, and his wife both expressed their concerns about his boxing career.
“I think he’s done. My step-mom, she’s saying he’s done and they’re a team. That’s husband and wife stuff.”
Amir mentioned that Lakiha believes Tyson should retire for good.
Family support is important to Tyson, and he values their opinions deeply.
Reflections after the fight
After the fight with Paul, Tyson reflected on his health and future plans.
He admitted that he was unsure if he had fully recovered but felt good overall.
Tyson indicated he would return to training but clarified that he had no plans to fight again.
He emphasized the importance of staying in shape for his health rather than for competition.
The former boxer said: “I feel pretty good… I don’t know if I’m 100 percent recovered, but I feel good. I’m just getting in shape.”
Mike Tyson officially retired from boxing in 2005.
However, he made a comeback in 2020 for an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr., and his fight with Jake Paul added another chapter to his storied career.
Despite the challenges, Tyson remains a significant figure in boxing and sports entertainment.