Boxing legend Mike Tyson is preparing to face off against the popular social media star turned boxer, Jake Paul, in a highly anticipated match tonight that has generated significant buzz in both the boxing and entertainment worlds.

At 58 years old, the former world heavyweight champion has dedicated himself to rigorous training to demonstrate the raw power and skill that made him an icon in the sport, even as he competes against the much younger 27-year-old Jake Paul. This matchup showcases not only Tyson’s enduring legacy but also highlights the evolving landscape of boxing, where traditional champions meet modern influencers.

Curious about the last time Tyson stepped into the ring? Discover the details of his previous fight and what led him to this momentous return to boxing below.

Discover the Date of Tyson’s Last Professional Fight

Tyson’s last professional bout occurred in 2005, marked by a sixth-round loss to Kevin McBride. In a surprising turn of events, Tyson chose to retire on his stool before the seventh round, expressing deep emotions about his decision. He stated, “I do not have the guts to be in this sport anymore. I don’t want to disrespect the sport that I love. My heart is not into this anymore. I’m sorry for the fans who paid for this. I wish I could have done better.” This poignant moment encapsulated Tyson’s struggle with the sport he once dominated.

Since that pivotal fight, Tyson has participated in several exhibition matches, including a notable 2020 showdown against fellow boxing veteran Roy Jones Jr.. That match concluded in a split draw, reigniting interest in Tyson’s boxing career and leading to his current matchup against Paul.

Unpacking Mike Tyson’s Impressive Fight Record

Mike Tyson is widely celebrated as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers in history, having made an unforgettable mark on the sport. He became the youngest world heavyweight champion at just 20 years old, a milestone that solidified his place in boxing history. Here’s a detailed breakdown of his extraordinary boxing career:

• Total Fights: 58
• Total Wins: 50
  • By knockout: 44
  • By decision: 5
  • By disqualification: 1
• Total Losses: 6

Reasons Behind the Delay of the Tyson vs. Paul Fight

Originally slated for July 20, the highly anticipated Tyson-Paul bout faced delays due to a serious flare-up of Tyson’s ulcer. On May 26, emergency paramedics were summoned to assist Tyson after he experienced a medical emergency while on an airplane, which raised significant concerns about his health.

In the recently released Netflix documentary Countdown: Paul vs. Tyson, which provides an in-depth look at the lead-up to this event from both fighters’ perspectives, Tyson revealed harrowing details about the incident that left him fearing for his life. He recounted, “Coming here from Miami on the plane, I went to the bathroom and I threw up blood. The next thing I know, I’m on the floor, and I was defecating tar. So I came here, and they found I had a big ulcer—two-and-a-half inches—and it was bleeding.”

Following this frightening experience, Tyson candidly asked his doctor if he was going to die; while she didn’t outright say “no,” she reassured him that they had treatment options available. Tyson recalled, “That’s when I got nervous. I can’t wait to get out of this motherfker, man. God, I want to fight and start training. I don’t want to die in the hospital bedroom, I want to die in the ring.”

Current Status of Mike Tyson’s Health Leading Up to the Fight

According to BBC Sport, Mike Tyson has downplayed any recent health concerns, proclaiming he is “just fine” while taking additional precautions as he prepares for his fight. He has requested that those around him wear face masks to ensure added safety, showcasing his commitment to health and readiness.

Tyson has also been rigorously training in preparation for this match, describing the process as “not fun, but it’s worth it.” His dedication to conditioning reflects his desire to prove himself once again in the ring.

A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has confirmed that both Tyson and Paul are fit to compete, having successfully passed all mandatory medical tests on Thursday, which included thorough heart and brain scans to ensure their safety.