'I almost died': Mike Tyson and Jake Paul's startling post-fight revelations

Mike Tyson's return to the ring did not go to plan as his victorious rival Jake Paul claimed to be holding back his power out of respect for the former world champion.

Drawing over 250 million people in online streams, the expectations of the bout seemingly failed to reach new heights as Paul claimed a comfortable win by unanimous decision.

Tyson carried a knee injury into the ring against his junior rival.

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Tyson appeared to be matching the pace of Paul in the opening round but quickly deteriorated, landing just 18 punches in eight rounds.

Seemingly entering survival mode, Paul confessed he could not bring himself to hurt Tyson without reason.

"Definitely [held back] a bit," the 27-year-old told reporters at his press conference.

"I wanted to give the fans a show but I didn't want to hurt someone that didn't need to be hurt.

"There was a point where he was not really engaging back and I don't know if he's tired or whatever. I could just tell his age was showing a little bit.

"I just have so much respect for him and that violence and war thing between us - after he slapped me I wanted to be aggressive, take him down, and knock him out but that kind of went away as the rounds went on."

Originally supposed to take place in July, the fight was rescheduled to November due to health concerns with Tyson.

While only disclosing a knee injury after stepping into the ring, the 58-year-old revealed the truth behind why the bout was postponed.

"I almost died in June," he wrote on X.

"I had eight blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won."

"This is one of those situations when you lost but still won. No regrets to get in ring one last time."

Paul said this rival was not the only fighter to carry an injury into the ring, stating he had torn a ligament in his ankle during a training session earlier in the week.

The 27-year-old's injury left him on crutches for several days and forced him out of action for two weeks.

"It just made everything mentally more difficult to go into the ring," Paul said.

"I really only sparred one or two times before this fight so that's why my cardio didn't feel as good in there.

"I tried to give the best fight I possibly could.

"When someone's just surviving in the ring, basically, it's hard to make it exciting. "