By Reinaldo Oliveros
Nov 16, 2024, 8:33 PM EST
Legendary former boxing champion Mike Tyson revealed that was on the verge of death months before facing the young boxer and influencer Jake Paul.
Tyson, 58, confessed after the fight that in June of this year he experienced a critical health episode that left him on the verge of death. “I almost died in June,” Tyson said. “I received 8 blood transfusions. I lost half my blood and 25 pounds in the hospital. I had to fight to get healthy to fight, so I won.”
Despite losing a unanimous decision to Jake Paul, Tyson called the experience a personal victory: “This is one of those situations where you lost but you won. I’m grateful for last night. “I don’t regret getting into the ring one last time.”
The fight had an official character although it was not sanctioned by any of the main boxing organizations.
Agreed to eight two-minute rounds, Jake Paul took the victory with scores of 79-73, 79-73 and 80-72.
However, Tyson made it clear that the result was secondary to him:
“For my children to see me fight and finish 8 rounds with a talented boxer half my age in front of a stadium full of the Dallas Cowboys is an experience no man has the right to ask for. Thank you”.
Tyson, who retired from professional boxing in 2005 with an impressive record of 50 wins (44 by knockout) and six losses, once again demonstrated his fighting spirit by stepping into the ring against the 27-year-old Paul.
Although the difference in age and current abilities was evident, the presence of “Iron” Mike captivated sports fans.
The event was a commercial success, with Tyson winning a purse of $20 million and Paul taking home $40 million.
Additionally, the fight was broadcast globally on Netflix, a platform that has more than 280 million subscribers and grossed almost $34 billion in revenue last year.
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