Former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has expressed gratitude despite losing to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul after the highly anticipated match at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Friday night.
Tyson, 58, was defeated by unanimous decision after going eight rounds with the 27-year-old Paul.
The fight, which took place before 72,300 fans and was streamed by 60 million households via Netflix, marked Tyson’s return to the ring after several years.
“This is one of those situations when you lost but still won,” Tyson took to his X handle the day after the fight. “I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in the ring one last time.”
Tyson revealed that his health struggles earlier this year almost kept him out of the fight. “I almost died in June,” he said, explaining that he had eight blood transfusions and lost half of his blood following a medical emergency. Despite losing 25 pounds while hospitalized, he fought to recover in time for the match.
Reflecting on the fight, Tyson said, “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.”
Jake Paul also commented on the fight’s success, calling it “record-breaking”. “Love you, Mike. Numbers don’t lie. Announcement coming soon…” Paul posted on X.
Tyson retired from professional boxing in 2005 but has made occasional returns, including a 2020 exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr.
