11 June 2024 , 18:23
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Boxing legend Mike Tyson suffers from a debilitating condition which can lead to mobility and speech issues.
The 57-year-old raised concern back in 2022 after he was photographed in a wheelchair at Miami airport, where he was assisted by a member of staff. As well as that, Iron Mike had also been spotted using a walking stick while out and about in New York.
It was later revealed that these incidents were due to him suffering from sciatica, which is a severe nerve pain that originates in the lower back and travels along the path of the sciatic nerve into the thighs, the Express reports.
The affliction can result in weakness or numbness in the lower half of the body. A source close to Tyson told TMZ at the time: "He's dealing with a sciatica flare-up. Nothing serious. Just an occupational hazard for an athlete like Mike."
Iron Mike then confirmed this himself on Newsmax, opening up on just how bad things can get when his symptoms become aggravated. He said: "I have sciatica every now and then, it flares up. When it flares up, I can't even talk!"
I cancelled 18th birthday party to KO Tyson record as youngest heavyweight king
Despite his struggles, Tyson insisted he was otherwise fully fit, adding: "Thank God it's the only health problem I have. I'm splendid now. Everybody in my house is truly blessed and we're all very grateful for whatever we have."
However, his medical emergency while travelling on an American Airlines flight from Miami to Los Angeles last month has seen his fight with Jake Paul postponed from July 20 to November.
Tyson was reported to have experienced nausea and dizziness during the journey, with paramedics on hand to check on his condition after they'd landed at LAX. It wasn't long before a statement was issued.
It read: "Thankfully Mr. Tyson is doing great. He became nauseous and dizzy due to an ulcer flare up 30 minutes before landing. He is appreciative to the medical staff that were there to help him."
Tyson was forced to postpone fighting Jake Paul due to a stomach ulcer (Getty Images)Despite maintaining good health, Tyson can't return to training for several weeks as he faces the risk of perforating his stomach wall. As a result, his much-anticipated comeback fight has been pushed back by four months.
However, the contest isn't set in stone – Tyson will have to pass a set of stringent health checks before it gets the go-ahead, with cancellation still an option. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will keep a close eye on his condition, with the event take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Tyson called time on his professional boxing career back in 2005 due to a back injury. Even in his prime he suffered various problems, including a knee issue. But he appeared fighting fit during his exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr in 2020.