Former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson admitted to being depressed following his return to the ring against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul last month.
The heavyweight boxing icon originally announced his retirement from the sport of boxing in 2005 after suffering a defeat to Kevin McBride. However, he appeared to get the itch back just four years ago as he took on fellow legend Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition bout. In what was a lacklustre affair, the clash seemed to spark a little bit of confidence in the American – who opted to return to a professional setting this year. Taking on Paul, many believed that ‘Iron Mike’ could roll back the years and produce a stunning finish in Texas.
But Tyson’s age showed and the 58-year-old failed to topple the young, upcoming, star. Losing via unanimous decision, ‘The Problem Child’ further extended his professional record. Ahead of the heavyweight dust-up, many within the boxing community were quick to slam the event for taking place.
Following the clash, Tyson admitted to being ‘depressed’ despite his big payday with the social media sensation. In an interview with Steve Covino and Rich Davis on the FOX Sports Radio YouTube channel earlier this month, Tyson spoke about his feelings post-fight and what will be keeping him occupied now.
The 58-year-old said: “That fight was such a big ascent—we were so up and high, we were so excited. The fight’s over, boom. Wow, I’m kind of depressed a little bit. We got to get back [into] our living situation [daily life], back to living. [We were] training for it 9 months.”
Tyson admitted he “almost died” ahead of his controversial defeat to Paul. Taking to Twitter, the legendary fighter wrote: “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.”
Tyson was originally set to take on Paul in July but the fight was postponed due to the former going through a health scare on a flight. Opening up on the incident ahead of the clash, Tyson said to New York Magazine: “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.”
