Mike Tyson has denied he’s been secretly suffering from Parkinson’s disease. The announcement comes amid growing speculation about the boxing legend’s health status in recent months.
The 58-year-old boxing veteran’s health was thrust into the spotlight after he suffered a medical emergency related to an ulcer in the run up to his recent bout with YouTuber Jake Paul which prompted the fight to be postponed until November – and Jake hit headlines over the weekend (15-16.02.25) by claiming Tyson smoked psychedelic drugs to “cure Parkinson’s”. The delay caused significant concern among boxing fans worldwide.
“Mike is happy and perfectly healthy. He doesn’t have Parkinson’s or any other illness,” Tyson’s representatives have now hit back at the claims and insisted the sports star is healthy, telling TMZ.com. The statement aims to address growing concerns about the former champion’s wellbeing.
“Ayahuasca is really good for your brain as well. And same with toad!” Jake made the claims on Sunday (16.02.25) in an online interview with Adin Ross in which they discussed psychedelic drugs and Jake said. “Toad cured Tyson’s Parkinson’s so that he could come back and fight.” The interview quickly went viral, garnering millions of views across social platforms.
However, Jake has now insisted he “misspoke” and his comments have been misinterpreted. The clarification came after widespread media coverage of his initial statements.
“Bruh…Mike Tyson didn’t have no Parkinsons … WTF. Why the f*** is the internet so stupid for,” he wrote in a post on X – formerly known as Twitter. “I misspoke. Meant he used toad to heal his pain. He has spoken about it many times. Just like I do. Just like many do.” The retraction sparked further discussion about the use of alternative medicines in professional sports.
The former heavyweight champion lost his controversial comeback fight against Jake, 28, in November, but subsequently insisted he had “no regrets” about getting back into the ring with the much younger fighter. The match drew record-breaking viewership numbers for a streaming platform.
“This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. I’m grateful for last night. No regrets to get in ring one last time,” Mike wrote in a post on X after the fight. His positive attitude despite the loss earned praise from fans and fellow athletes alike.
He went on to open up about his medical emergency, adding: “I almost died in June. Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.” This revelation provided context to his earlier health struggles and subsequent recovery.
“To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish 8 rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy stadium is an experience that no man has the right to ask for. Thank you … ” The emotional statement resonated with fans worldwide, highlighting Tyson‘s enduring impact on the sport.
The controversy surrounding Tyson’s health status reflects the ongoing scrutiny faced by aging athletes in combat sports. Medical experts note that regular health monitoring is crucial for veterans returning to high-intensity competition, particularly those over 50.
The speculation about Parkinson’s disease particularly struck a chord in the boxing community, as the sport has historically seen several high-profile cases of the condition among retired fighters. However, Tyson’s team maintains that he undergoes regular medical evaluations and remains in good health.
This incident has also sparked broader discussions about the role of alternative medicines and psychedelic substances in sports recovery, with many athletes increasingly open about their use of non-traditional treatments. Health professionals continue to emphasize the importance of proper medical supervision for any treatment approach.
