Mike Tyson health fears surface ahead of Floyd Mayweather fight after worrying images
Mike Tyson is set to face Floyd Mayweather in a sensational boxing showdown later this year, but concerns over the former heavyweight champion's health have resurfaced
Ahead of his controversial fight with Floyd Mayweather, concerns will again be raised about Mike Tyson's health.
The announcement was made on Thursday evening that the two boxing legends will clash in 2026, although an exact date for the bout is yet to be officially confirmed. Early reports suggest the pair will meet in the spring for an exhibition match, with rules already emerging.
Tyson, who retired from boxing in 2005, made a sensational comeback to the ring in 2020, taking on Roy Jones Jr. The fight ended in a somewhat lacklustre draw, after which Tyson took a four-year break before returning last November. At 59, Tyson faced YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, later making his feelings very clear on Paul after their $60 million showdown.
Despite not achieving a knockout, Paul secured a comfortable win on points. However, the fight was not without its drama, reports the Mirror.
Originally scheduled for July 2024, the fight was postponed two months prior due to Tyson suffering a stomach ulcer flare-up, which he later revealed was more serious than initially thought. After the fight was rescheduled, further concerns were raised when photos surfaced showing the former undisputed heavyweight champion in a wheelchair, reports All Out Fighting.
Unsurprisingly, the photos went viral on social media, forcing Tyson to quickly clarify his situation after revealing he's fighting a rare medical condition known as Sciatica. In a September interview with Newsmax TV, he stated: "I have sciatica every now and then, it flares up.
"When it flares up, I can't even talk! Thank God it's the only health problem I have. I'm splendid now. Everybody in my house is truly blessed and we're all very grateful for whatever we have."
Sciatica develops when the sciatic nerve, running from your lower back down to your feet, gets inflamed or compressed. It usually resolves within 4 to 6 weeks, though it can sometimes last for extended periods.
Throughout the end of his boxing career, Tyson struggled with multiple health issues, with back troubles being his main worry. Despite this startling disclosure, Tyson proceeded with his fight against Paul in the ring. Just minutes after the defeat, the 58 year old boxing icon proclaimed it felt like victory because he "almost died" earlier this year.
"This is one of those situations when you lost but still won," Tyson shared on Instagram. "I'm grateful for last night. No regrets to get in ring one last time. I almost died in June. Had eight blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight, so I won."
He added: "To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish eight 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."
Opening up about the stomach ulcer episode that occurred prior to his clash with Paul, Tyson disclosed to New York Magazine: "I was in the bathroom throwing up blood. I asked the doctor, 'Am I going to die?' He said, 'We have options.' Options? I couldn't believe it. I had, like, eight blood transfusions. The doctor said I lost half my blood. I almost died.
"I lost 25 pounds in 11 days. Couldn't eat. Only liquids. Every time I went to the bathroom, it smelled like tar. It was disgusting. It threw me off [when I continued training]. All my coordination, stamina, everything was hectic getting back. I was peaked already. I could have fought him that day. Now I got to start from scratch. I just don't give up. If I haven't outlived my enemies, I've turned them into my friends."
After Tyson's return was made official, he delivered a chilling message to his 48 year old rival that their upcoming fight will prove damaging to the boxing icon's health. Speaking about his upcoming bout with Mayweather, Tyson exclaimed: "This fight is something neither the world nor I ever thought would or could happen. However, boxing has entered a new era of the unpredictable -- and this fight is as unpredictable as it gets. I still can't believe Floyd wants to really do this. It's going to be detrimental to his health, but he wants to do it, so it's signed and it's happening!".
On the other hand, the former five-division world champion declared: "I've been doing this for 30 years and there hasn't been a single fighter that can tarnish my legacy. You already know that if I am going to do something, it's going to be big and it's going to be legendary. I'm the best in the business of boxing. This exhibition will give the fans what they want."