Boxing legend Mike Tyson shared an emotional reflection on his Neflix broadcasted return to the ring against Jake Paul, a fighter half his age, in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Despite the official result not going in his favor, Tyson expressed gratitude for a deeper victory—overcoming incredible odds just to step back into the spotlight.
“This is one of those situations when you lose but still win,” Tyson began. “I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions, lost half my blood and 25 lbs in the hospital, and had to fight to get healthy to fight. So I won.”
The match, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, was an extraordinary moment for Tyson, now 58, who defied physical and personal challenges to compete for eight rounds against a younger, skilled opponent.
“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,” Tyson continued.
The bout, originally scheduled for July 20, was postponed due to Tyson’s health issues according to ESPN. He had experienced an ulcer flare-up and was advised to limit his training temporarily. An official statement read:
“During a follow-up consultation on Thursday with medical professionals on his recent ulcer flare-up, the recommendation is for Mike Tyson to do minimal to light training over the next few weeks and then return to full training with no limitations.”
Tyson thanked his fans for their understanding, saying:
“I want to thank my fans around the world for their support and understanding during this time. Unfortunately, due to my ulcer flare-up, I have been advised by my doctor to lighten my training for a few weeks to rest and recover. My body is in better overall shape than it has been since the 1990s, and I will be back to my full training schedule soon. Jake Paul, this may have bought you some time, but in the end, you will still be knocked out and out of boxing for good. I appreciate everyone’s patience and can’t wait to deliver an unforgettable performance later this year.”
Jake Paul also supported the decision, stating:
“I fully support postponing the event so Mike Tyson has no excuses come fight night. My fans know I don’t want to face Iron Mike at anything but his best, but let there be no mistake — when he steps into the ring with me, I will be ready to claim my W with a sensational finish. Paul vs. Tyson will be one for the ages, and I promise to bring my best for this once-in-a-lifetime matchup.”
A new fight date was announced on June 7, with AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, still the intended venue.
On fight night, Jake Paul, 27, secured a unanimous decision victory over Tyson in a highly publicized eight-round contest and a record-breaking 31-year age gap streamed globally on Netflix.. The event drew over 70,000 fans, generating $18.1 million in ticket sales, with over 100 millions more watching via Netflix according to Jake Paul at the end of the fight despite streaming issues.
The fight, while a pop culture spectacle, lacked the competitive intensity many expected, as Tyson, visibly showing his age, landed only 18 punches compared to Paul’s 78. Tyson hinted at the possibility of facing Paul’s brother, Logan, but many critics questioned the value of such matchups, given Tyson’s diminished performance. Logan himself uttered, “I will kill you Mike.”
Meanwhile, Jake Paul has cemented himself as one of boxing’s biggest draws, capitalizing on
his social media fanbase’s curiosity and his heel persona. He teased potential bouts with figures like Canelo Alvarez, while focusing on professional boxers to boost his credibility and pursue cruiserweight gold. The success of the event suggests that more cross-generational or novelty fights will follow, driven by massive financial incentives, even if boxing purists remain critical.
