Tyson and Paul collide on Friday (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)
Mike Tyson will undergo a string of last-minute tests after revealing the full extent of his harrowing health scare ahead of his boxing showdown against Jake Paul.
The heavyweight legend, who hung up his gloves in 2005, will come out of retirement to fight a man 31 years his junior in YouTuber-turned-fighter Paul.
Their bout, taking place on Friday at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, was originally slated to take place in July only for that date to be postponed after Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up.
The former champion became dizzy and nauseous on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles earlier this year, forcing airline staff to ask passengers if there was a doctor on board.
The episode left the 58-year-old vomiting blood, explaining in an interview with New York Magazine how doctors found a two-and-a-half-inch ulcer that left him fearing for his life.
While the fight promoters referred to Tyson’s issue as a ‘flare-up’, Tyson revealed the full extent of the experience.
‘I asked the doctor, “Am I going to die?”‘ Tyson said.
Tyson suffered a health scare earlier this year (Picture: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Fanatics)
‘I lost 25 pounds in 11 days. Couldn’t eat. Only liquids. Every time I went to the bathroom, it smelled like tar.
‘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 had, like, eight blood transfusions. The doctor said I lost half my blood. I almost died.’
Tyson’s comments have since alerted The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, who are sanctioning Friday’s fight, with an investigation expected to be conducted.
In a statement to World Boxing News, TLDR representative Tela Mange said: ‘Thorough pre-fight physicals will be conducted by TDLR-appointed physicians, who will discuss Mr Tyson’s medical history with him.”
‘Before the event, TDLR will conduct pre-fight physicals to ensure the health of both fighters.’
Tyson vs Paul has been sanctioned as a professional contest by the TDLR with the result set to go on the records of both men.
Knockouts will be allowed over eight two-minutes rounds. No headgear will be worn and 14-ounce gloves will be used.