‘Does anyone care?’ Tyson ‘almost died’ as dark cloud hangs over call to approve Paul fight

Mike Tyson says he “almost died” preparing to fight Jake Paul, shedding light on the frightening health scare he endured in the lead-up.

BOXING: INOUE VS GOODMAN | Australia’s Sam Goodman is set for a blockbuster Christmas Eve fight against undefeated Naoya ‘The Monster’ Inoue in Tokyo. Watch LIVE TUE 24 DEC 7PM AEDT | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.

Paul defeated Tyson via unanimous decision on Saturday (AEDT) in Dallas, but it was a sad scene as the 31-year age gap between the pair became obvious as the fight went on.

Tyson released a statement on Sunday (AEDT) after the fight, explaining the health issues he overcame to fulfil his goal of getting in the ring — something his kids didn’t get to see him do at the peak of his powers.

“This is one of those situations when you lost but still won,” the 58-year-old said.

“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 (11kg) 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.”

Jake Paul replied to the post: “Love you Mike. It was an honor. You’re an inspiration to us all.”

The revelation that Tyson had eight blood transfusions is shocking, and some pundits were unimpressed the fight was allowed to go ahead.

Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix wrote on X: “Great job by the Texas athletic commission fully investigating Mike Tyson’s health issues and sanctioning a fight with a 58-year old that says he needed eight blood transfusions. Incredible. Does anyone care about fighter safety?”

Tyson and Paul were originally supposed to fight on July 20, but the bout was postponed in early June after reports Tyson had been dealing with a stomach ulcer flare up.

The former heavyweight champion needed medical treatment on board a flight after complaining of nausea and dizziness.

Tyson hadn’t fought in 19 years but footage of Iron Mike hitting the pads hard in workouts had boxing fans dreaming of a knockout win over Paul. It wasn’t to be.

Paul, 27, even claimed he could have tried to knock Tyson out in the latter rounds of the fight, but opted not to inflict further damage on his opponent.

Tyson had strapping on his leg during the fight and fatigued as the eight-round bout went on.

Paul said he would be happy to fight again soon against any opponent, even calling out Mexican boxing megastar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

Tyson also seemed to suggested he wasn’t done with boxing, calling out Paul’s older brother Logan in the ring post-fight.

The victory over Tyson takes Paul’s professional boxing record to 12-1, but there were immediate calls for him to fight a boxer his own age, who isn’t washed up. His only loss has been to Tommy Fury last year.

AFL veteran Scott Pendlebury labelled Paul a “con job” on social media and said he would “happily” beat him in two rounds.

Another boxing great, undefeated American and Hall of Famer Andre Ward, was asked during Netflix’s coverage of the Tyson-Paul fight what Jake should do next to further his career.

“I don’t think Canelo wants to do that right now,” he said. “He could change his mind if the number’s right.

“I really think what Jake is after is legitimacy. He’s got the money, he’s got the followers, I think it’s time for Jake to call somebody out a lot younger than Mike Tyson, a bit more dangerous.

“And somebody the boxing public can say ‘oh, we respect you, even if you lose, you took that challenge’.”

Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of Muhammad Ali, took it further when he posted to X after the fight.

“Jake Paul is an embarrassment to this sport,” he wrote. “If my grandfather was still around, (Paul) would call him out. Absolutely no shame … Love you Mike.”

Broadcaster Stephen A. Smith said: “No more BBall players, strikers from MMA, or old men. It’s time for Jake to get into a real fight. He’s good enough! Make it happen.”

Netflix says more than 60 million households tuned in around the world to watch the main event fight between Paul and Tyson.