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Mike Tyson gave fans a serious scare this past weekend when he was forced to receive medical attention after struggling on a flight. However, the 56-year-old former heavyweight champion has moved to allay fears, declaring he is now "100%" healthy and back in fighting form.
The dramatic incident occurred on a flight departing from Miami to Los Angeles on Wednesday evening. According to reports from fellow passengers, Tyson began struggling with a flare-up of the sciatica nerve pain that has plagued him in recent years. One witness told ESPN, "He didn't look good at all. His security team appeared very nervous as they tried to keep fans from taking videos and bothering him."
Thankfully, the plane was able to make an emergency landing in Las Vegas, and Tyson received medical attention. His team released a statement shortly after, stating, "He was treated and has been cleared to fly on as early as Thursday morning."
The boxing legend himself took to his Instagram account over the weekend to update his 18.9 million followers directly. Speaking from a golf course, a smiling Tyson proclaimed, "I'm 100% now. I just overcompensated from the sciatica pain that I was having. I'll start my routine and be back in the ring." He went on to thank well-wishers, saying, "I'm feeling blessed, just blessed."
Tyson's return to health will be a relief to his legions of fans, as well as the organizers of several upcoming events featuring the cultural icon. His much-anticipated world tour "UNDISPUTED TRUTH Round 2" is scheduled to kick off in late June across Europe. The show promises "a rare glimpse into the life of one of the most feared men ever to stride the earth."
When reached for comment, tour promoter Jack Wildig of Fite TV stated, "We're just thankful Mike is doing well after his ordeal. He's an absolute legend, and we have no doubt he'll be bringing that classic intensity and energy to every show."
Those close to Tyson know he's been battling chronic sciatica and back issues in recent years, something he's been open about. In a podcast last year, he admitted, "I have sciatica every now and then. It keeps overriding me. I can't even talk, I'm in so much pain." However, his ability to bounce back from this latest episode proves the fighter's indomitable spirit remains undimmed.
With a blockbuster tour on the horizon and his health concerns behind him, all signs point to Mike Tyson being back at his very best and ready to once again take a bite out of life.
