Mike Tyson looks unrecognizable in the first images from the fight with Jake Paul and the big payday | Boxing | Sport

Former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson appears to be enjoying some downtime following his boxing showdown with Jake Paul.

The 58-year-old went toe-to-toe with the YouTuber-turned-boxer in November, marking Tyson’s first professional bout since his loss to Kevin McBride in 2005.

However, he took part in an exhibition fight against legendary boxer Roy Jones Jr in 2020 before his encounter with ‘The Problem Child’. The fight with the 27-year-old was a major challenge for ‘Iron Mike’, mainly due to the large age difference.

Therefore, the experienced boxer had to take his combat training very seriously. Tyson wowed many with his toned physique ahead of the heavyweight clash.

Despite looking good in training, he was unable to turn back time on fight night as his age was evident in Texas. Although he failed to secure a knockout, Paul achieved a unanimous decision victory, extending his professional boxing record to 11-1.

Seven weeks after the fight, Tyson has been enjoying a well-deserved rest and gained some weight. After an intense and exhausting training camp, it seems that the American is not concentrating in the ring since he spent the Christmas season with his family.

Before his fight with Paul, Tyson confessed to having a near-death experience. On Twitter, the boxing icon wrote: “This is one of those situations where you lost but still won. I’m grateful for last night. I don’t regret stepping into the ring one last time.”

“I almost died in June. I had 8 blood transfusions. I lost half my blood and 25 pounds in the hospital and I had to fight to recover and fight, so I won.

“For my children to see me go 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 no man has the right to ask for. Thank you.”

The match against Paul was initially scheduled for July, but was delayed due to Tyson’s health issue on a plane.

Discussing the ordeal before the fight, Tyson revealed to New York Magazine: “I was in the bathroom vomiting 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 of my blood.

“I lost 25 pounds in 11 days. I couldn’t eat. Only liquids. Every time I went to the bathroom, I smelled like tar. I didn’t even smell like shit anymore. It was disgusting.

“It baffled me (when I continued training). All my coordination, stamina, everything was shaken upon returning. I was already at my peak. I could have fought him that day. Now I have to start from scratch. Just don’t give up. Sometimes I’m an idiot. If I have not survived my enemies, I have made them my friends.”