Mike Tyson expressed his gratitude for the chance to face Jake Paul, whom he praised as a “talented fighter,” in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday.
The statement was made following Paul’s victory over Mike Tyson by unanimous decision in a one-sided match at AT&T Stadium on Friday night.
Despite being 58 years old, Tyson hung on for all eight rounds against the 27-year-old social media sensation.
“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,” Tyson began. “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 and Paul were originally slated to face off back on July 20, but the legendary boxer ended up suffering an ulcer flare-up during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles back in May. “I went to the bathroom and I threw up blood,” Mike Tyson revealed on Countdown: Paul vs. Tyson, as caught by USA Today. “The next thing I know I’m on the floor. I was defecating tar.’’
After the fight, Paul sang Tyson’s praises. “He’s a legend,” he said, as caught by ESPN. “He’s the greatest to ever do it, he’s the GOAT. I look up to him. I’m inspired by him, and we wouldn’t be here without him. He’s an icon. He’s the toughest man on the planet.”
