Boxing legend Mike Tyson, who retired in 2005 and has not appeared in the ring since 2020, stepped back into the ring for a highly anticipated match with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul earlier this month.
Tyson reminisced about his years in the ring, revisiting old training videos, and also confiding that he had "nearly died" just a few months ago during a health scare, causing the original date for his match with Paul to be pushed back.
Last May, Tyson was flying from Miami to Los Angeles, and his representatives noticed that he was "nauseous and dizzy" and that he experienced an "ulcer flare-up" 30 minutes before they landed in Los Angeles.
Because of the health scare, the fight with Jake Paul had to be pushed back, but it wasn't revealed until later how much Tyson went through to get better.
During the long-awaited Netflix special, the 58-year-old boxing legend may not have won against Jake Paul, but it was no question to anyone watching that he held his own.
And Mike Tyson was endlessly grateful for the experience.
After the fight, Tyson stated that he felt like he'd won even though he'd technically lost.
Tyson confided:
"This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. I'm grateful for last night. No regrets to get in [the] ring one last time."
"I almost died in June. I had eight blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25 pounds in the 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 eight rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboys stadium is an experience that no man has the right to ask for. Thank you."
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…
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) November 16, 2024
Fans of Mike Tyson were quick to applaud him for his bravery and his performance.
What beautiful humility and grace. Well done, Mr. Tyson.
— Gad Saad (@GadSaad) November 16, 2024
God Bless you Mike.
No matter the circumstances you are the 🐐
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) November 16, 2024
We will never forget that you are the greatest heavyweight of all time. The goat https://t.co/0SXdCaXv1J
— Humanspective (@Humanspective) November 16, 2024
God bless you. Thank you for everything you've given to the sport of boxing.
— Brenden Dilley (@WarlordDilley) November 16, 2024
You’re still the baddest man on the planet Mike. Glad my kids and I got to see you in the ring one more time. 🙏
— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) November 16, 2024
Mike you got in the ring with a 27 year old and secured the bag. LEGENDS never die
— Valentina Gomez (@ValentinaForUSA) November 16, 2024
Take care of yourself Mike.
We all love you.
— Tristan Tate (@TateTheTalisman) November 16, 2024
Honestly you showed durability, heart, and above all else resilience. To overcome what happened in June and even get in the ring is the biggest win of the night.
Forever the goat 🐐 pic.twitter.com/bn1vu571So
— Kenny Okoye🇳🇬 (@TruthfulUfcFan) November 16, 2024
You walking to the ring was worth everything technically I had to endure. Nothing but love GOAT
— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) November 16, 2024
You are still the GOAT Iron Mike Tyson
I dare anyone else to try and do the same 👏
— Marjorie Taylor Greene Press Release (Parody) (@MTGrepp) November 16, 2024
Forever The Baddest Man on the Planet. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/A4aQ3ZpjAu
— PW Chronicle (@_PWChronicle) November 16, 2024
Jake Paul also shouted out his support for his opponent.
Love you Mike. It was an honor. You’re an inspiration to us all.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) November 16, 2024
Jake Paul showing respect to Mike Tyson in the last round pic.twitter.com/6IDxVxSLww
— 4KT WHO YOU HATE (@royal_bobby24) November 16, 2024
The fact that Tyson fought to regain his health alone was a win. Getting back in the ring again and having the courage to compete after that health scare was a win. Finishing the entire match, whether or not he "won," was most certainly a win.
It's wonderful to see that Tyson was able to have this experience again and that his fans admired him, his bravery, and his performance for what it was: a true testament to the legend of Mike Tyson.
