In a shocking revelation, Tyson admitted he only fought Jake Paul last November due to fear of litigation after a life-threatening ulcer flare-up. During a May 2024 flight from Miami to Los Angeles, Tyson suffered severe internal bleeding, coughing up blood and requiring 10 blood transfusions for a 7-centimeter ulcer. "I was afraid of being sued. I thought: 'God, they'll sue me if I don't fight,'" Tyson confessed to Fox Nation. The incident left him screaming in pain and vowing never to repeat the experience .
Despite these harrowing health struggles, Tyson honored the rescheduled fight in November 2024, which had been postponed from July due to his condition. The event marked his first professional bout in 19 years, following his 2005 retirement .
The Paul Fight: By the Numbers
Tyson’s showdown with the YouTube star became a cultural phenomenon:
108 million global viewers on Netflix, making it the most-streamed combat sports event ever
$20 million purse for Tyson, contributing to his $10 million net worth
72,300+ live attendees at Dallas’ AT&T Stadium
Unanimous decision victory for Paul after 8 rounds of 2-minute sessions
Fans booed both fighters post-match, feeling underwhelmed by the action. Tyson later admitted he couldn’t remember parts of the fight, telling Netflix: "This is one of those situations when you lost but still won... I’m grateful my children saw me stand toe-to-toe with someone half my age" .
Why Tyson Says "Never Again"
In a definitive retirement statement, Tyson told the New York Post: "That’s why I did the last fight – so I never have to do it again." His focus has shifted entirely to TYSON 2.0, his cannabis company generating $230 million in 2023 revenue. The enterprise offers legal products across 16 countries, securing Tyson’s financial stability after his infamous bankruptcy .
The boxing icon now resides in a modest $2.5 million Henderson, Nevada home, prioritizing peace over spectacle. "Money comes and goes," he told Men’s Health. "I had it, I lost it. Now I just want peace" .
Boxing World Mourns a Legendary Coach
The July 29 death of Tyson’s former trainer Tommy Brooks (71) adds poignancy to this retirement chapter. Brooks, who coached Tyson from 2000-2002 and trained legends like Evander Holyfield and the Klitschko brothers, succumbed to aggressive cancer. World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaimán called him "one of the greatest trainers of all time".
Health Warnings Ignored
Medical experts had vehemently opposed Tyson’s ring return at 58. Neurologist Dr. Nitin Sethi warned that aging fighters face severe risks from head trauma, noting:
"When you talk about fighters over 40, you worry about traumatic brain injury due to age and cumulative neurological damage from years of blows."Texas regulators sanctioned the fight with modifications (shorter rounds, heavier gloves), but concerns about Tyson’s long-term health persist .
What’s Next for Iron Mike?
Despite retirement claims, rumors swirl about potential appearances:
Fedor Emelianenko fight: Kazakhstan’s Alash Pride League claims to be negotiating a December boxing/MMA crossover bout with the Russian MMA legend (48). Fedor has expressed interest, but Tyson hasn’t commented .
WWE return: Tyson admitted he’d "love to do that... that’s me at my childhood best," suggesting a battle royal involving multiple wrestlers .
Media projects: His podcast Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson remains active, alongside his Fighting Weight fitness show collaboration on Hulu .
The Final Verdict
Tyson’s career closes with a 50-7-0 record, 44 KOs, and an indelible legacy as boxing’s youngest heavyweight champion. His chaotic journey—from $300 million earnings to bankruptcy, and now to cannabis entrepreneur—reflects his lifelong mantra: "I’m always out of my comfort zone." As tributes pour in for Brooks and Tyson steps away from gloves, the boxing world acknowledges an era’s end
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