The Untold Story of Mike Tyson’s Health Struggle Before Facing Jake Paul – ‘It Was Hard to Walk’

When Mike Tyson stepped into the ring to face Jake Paul on November 15, 2024, the world saw the iconic heavyweight champion make another remarkable comeback. But what most fans didn’t know was the intense battle Tyson fought outside the ring — a battle with his own health that nearly derailed the highly-anticipated showdown.

It was supposed to be a blockbuster event, a fight that combined the legendary status of Tyson with the social media stardom of Jake Paul. Originally scheduled for July 2024, the bout was already a groundbreaking spectacle as the first boxing event live-streamed on Netflix. But just weeks before the initial date, Tyson’s camp announced a postponement, citing a health issue. The reality was far more serious than fans realized.

Mike Tyson, then 58, was dealing with a painful and dangerous ulcer that had flared up unexpectedly. The ulcer left Tyson struggling not only with pain but with his mobility. “It’s hard to walk right now,” Tyson admitted during a Cage Wars event in New York in September 2024. His words sent shockwaves through the boxing community, with many questioning whether the fight with Jake Paul would ever happen.

But for Tyson, quitting was never an option. Despite his health scare, he remained determined to get back in the ring. “The fight is won in the gym,” he told fans, reflecting his iron-willed mindset. Even while battling the effects of his condition, Tyson pushed himself through six rounds of sparring, refusing to let his body dictate his destiny. With the support of his team and a carefully managed recovery plan, Tyson’s condition gradually improved.

Behind the scenes, the pressure was intense. Netflix, eager to maintain the momentum of their first major live sports event, kept a close eye on Tyson’s progress. Jake Paul’s camp remained respectful, agreeing to the postponement and continuing to promote the fight. But the question loomed: Would Mike Tyson, a man who had already defied the odds countless times, be able to make it to the ring again?

The answer became clear in October 2024, when Tyson’s health took a dramatic turn for the better. His mobility returned, and his training regimen intensified. By the time he entered the AT&T Arena in Arlington, Texas, on November 15, Tyson looked every bit the legend he always was. The crowd roared, not just for the spectacle of the fight but for the perseverance of a man who had once again defied expectations.

In the end, the fight itself became just one part of the story. Tyson’s true victory was his journey back to the ring — a journey defined by resilience, discipline, and an unyielding spirit. For a man who had spent decades in the brutal world of boxing, this was yet another round he refused to lose.

Today, fans remember the Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight as a spectacle, but the untold story is one of quiet strength, fierce determination, and a reminder that even legends are human. Tyson’s words echo with a sense of quiet pride: “It was hard to walk… but I made it.”