Boxing legend Mike Tyson is set to step into the ring with Jake Paul, the YouTube star-turned-professional boxer, on November 15, after a highly anticipated and somewhat troubled lead-up to the fight. Initially scheduled for July, the event had to be postponed due to a serious health scare Tyson suffered on a plane—an incident that he now opens up about in the newly released Netflix documentary Countdown: Paul vs Tyson.
A Terrifying Health Crisis
In the documentary, Tyson, 57, recounts his harrowing experience of a medical emergency caused by a bleeding ulcer. The boxer shares the fear he felt when he fell severely ill while flying from Miami, describing how he began to feel nauseous and dizzy before eventually throwing up blood. “A week and a half ago, I was training and doing great, but then all of a sudden I started feeling tired,” Tyson says in the documentary. He goes on to explain how, on the plane, his condition worsened as he experienced stomach pain, nausea, and even began defecating tar—a sign of internal bleeding.
The urgency of the situation became apparent to Tyson and his team as his symptoms grew more alarming. “All my friends were calling me like I was dying,” he said. When Tyson asked his doctor if he was going to survive, her lack of a clear “no” fueled his anxiety. “I was so pissed off because I had peaked. I was good, talking sh*t, ready,” he says, revealing the immense frustration that came with his forced withdrawal from the fight.
A Physical and Emotional Setback
Despite the ordeal, Tyson is determined to step back into the ring, a sentiment echoed in his candid reflection during the documentary. “I can’t wait to get out of this motherf**ker, man,” he says, expressing his desire to recover and get back to training. His words underscore his passion for the sport and his resilience, even in the face of a health scare that might discourage others from returning to such a physically demanding arena. Tyson, who lost 26 pounds during the incident, was reportedly devastated, saying, “I don’t want to die in the hospital bedroom; I want to die in the ring.”
Jake Paul’s Reaction and the Opportunity of a Lifetime
The documentary also captures Paul’s reaction to the news of Tyson’s health scare and his withdrawal from the July fight. Describing himself as “numb” upon hearing that Tyson was unable to compete, Paul admits the news left him in disbelief and frustration. Nevertheless, Paul remains eager to take on the challenge and respects Tyson’s decision to reschedule. For Paul, the chance to fight a boxing legend like Tyson represents a milestone: “Nobody can tell Mike Tyson what to do, and if he wants to fight me, of course I’m going to say yes. This is the opportunity of a lifetime.”
The Build-Up to an Iconic Showdown
The bout is already shaping up to be a historic match, bringing together two fighters from vastly different backgrounds. Tyson, with his storied career and reputation as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, contrasts sharply with Paul, whose boxing career stems from his online fame as a YouTuber and former Disney star. The fight, now set for November 15, has captured the public’s attention, promising a dramatic and high-stakes battle in the ring.
A Tale of Determination and Resilience
As Countdown: Paul vs Tyson shows, this upcoming fight is more than just a clash between a legendary boxer and a viral sensation; it’s a story of endurance, grit, and Tyson’s remarkable resilience in the face of personal and physical adversity. The Netflix documentary provides fans with a behind-the-scenes look at both fighters’ preparations, revealing Tyson’s fierce desire to keep fighting despite serious health challenges and Paul’s unrelenting drive to seize the chance to face a true boxing legend.
When the two finally step into the ring on November 15, it will not only be a showdown of two unique personalities but also a testament to the lengths these fighters are willing to go to pursue their passion. For Tyson, who has come through a near-death experience, the bout represents a return to form, a defiant comeback from the brink. For Paul, it’s an opportunity to prove himself in the ring against one of the sport’s most iconic figures.
