Mike Tyson’s alarming admission that he "almost died" from a severe ulcer bleed has sparked an investigation by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) just days before his scheduled fight with Jake Paul on November 15. The 58-year-old boxing icon revealed in a recent interview with New York Magazine that he suffered a life-threatening health scare in May, losing half his blood and undergoing eight blood transfusions.

Tyson described the terrifying ordeal, which occurred on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles, saying, “I went to the bathroom, threw up blood, and the next thing I knew, I was on the floor defecating tar.” Doctors discovered a two-and-a-half-inch bleeding ulcer that required emergency medical care. 

“I lost 26 pounds in eleven days... I almost died,” Tyson added. The incident forced the postponement of his original July 20 fight date with Paul.

According to World Boxing News (WBN), concerns over Tyson’s ability to return to the ring have grown despite his recovery. The TDLR confirmed it will conduct a thorough pre-fight medical review to assess whether Tyson is healthy enough to compete. Tela Goodwin Mange, TDLR Communications Manager, told WBN that physicians will closely examine Tyson’s medical history before making any decisions regarding his participation.

As millions of fans eagerly anticipate the high-profile Netflix bout, Tyson’s near-death experience has raised significant concerns about his ability to safely compete at 58, particularly given the 31-year age gap between him and Jake Paul.