NewsBite

Mike Tyson addresses Jake Paul claim that he is suffering from Parkinson’s

Boxing great Mike Tyson has addressed a major health rumour started by his last opponent Jake Paul.

Mike Tyson refutes the news of him suffering Parkinson’s disease

Boxing legend Mike Tyson has denied he is suffering from Parkinson’s disease – after a now-retracted claim from Jake Paul.

The Problem Child beat Iron Mike in November with a unanimous points victory in their eight-round boxing bout.

Tyson, 58, overcame various health scares in the lead-up to the fight.

The former heavyweight world champion even admitted he “almost died” and required “eight blood transfusions” last June.

Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

An ulcer issue caused the initial fight date to be postponed to November.

Tyson was able to step into the ring in Dallas – although he struggled to cope with his opponent 30 years his junior.

Paul appeared to make the wild allegation that Tyson was struggling with Parkinson’s over the weekend.

Mike Tyson has denied claims he has Parkinson’s. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)
Mike Tyson has denied claims he has Parkinson’s. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)

Speaking to Adin Ross on a Kick live stream, the YouTuber, 28, claimed: “Ayahuasca is really good for your brain as well.

“And same with toad. Toad cured Tyson’s Parkinson’s so that he could come back and fight.”

Asked how toad is taken, Paul added: “You smoke it.”

Following the claim, Tyson’s representatives denied that the former heavyweight world champion has Parkinson’s disease.

A spokesperson told TMZ: “Mike is happy and perfectly healthy.

“He doesn’t have Parkinson’s or any other illness.”

Paul himself took to X and claimed he “misspoke” during the livestream.

He wrote: “Bruh … Mike Tyson didn’t have no Parkinsons. WTF.

“Why the f*** is the internet so stupid for? 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.”

Jake Paul retracted his Parkinson’s claim and says he “misspoke” . (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)
Jake Paul retracted his Parkinson’s claim and says he “misspoke” . (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)

According to the NHS, Parkinson’s is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.

It is caused by a loss of nerve cells which in turn leads to a reduction of the chemical dopamine and affects men slightly more than women, especially those over 50.

The neurological condition can lead to various symptoms including involuntary shaking and tremors, slow movement, stiff rigidity of muscles, balance difficulties and memory problems.

US boxer Mike Tyson is one of the greatest to ever step into the ring. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)
US boxer Mike Tyson is one of the greatest to ever step into the ring. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)

There is not currently a known cure for Parkinson’s disease although medication, physiotherapy and surgery can help relieve symptoms.

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1984 aged 42 and lived with the condition until his death 32 years later in 2016.

Tyson was paid around £16 million for the Paul fight, which was shown to over 100 million viewers on Netflix.

The Baddest Man on the Planet, 58, admitted last month he has still not fully recovered from the bout.

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/boxing/mike-tyson-addresses-jake-paul-claim-that-he-is-suffering-from-parkinsons/news-story/ae09adcdcef5402bd74abbef408e9378