Mike Tyson’s longtime friend Fat Joe claims the former heavyweight champion returned to the ring alone due to his financial woes.

Mike Tyson’s return to the boxing ring against Jake Paul continues to be a topic of discussion.

Among many Tyson’s longtime friend Fat Joe has also reflected on Tyson’s return to the ring at 58.
And he claimed that the reason he returned to the boxing ring was due to his financial troubles.

Mike Tyson’s return to the boxing ring against the YouTuber turned-boxer, Jake Paul, continues to be a topic of discussion among enthusiasts, especially due to the controversy that has since surrounded the event. Among many, sharing their claims and assessment of the event, has also come out the longtime friend of the former heavyweight champion, Fat Joe.

Mike Tyson | Credit: Netflix

The 54-year-old rapper recently reflected on Tyson’s return to the arena, claiming that the only reason he chose to return to the boxing ring after nearly two decades of retirement was due to his financial troubles.

Fat Joe Claims Mike Tyson’s Boxing Comeback Was Driven by Financial Struggles

As per Mike Tyson’s friend and the rapper, Fat Joe, the reason why Tyson chose to go back to the ring was his financial struggles. “Do you think if he was a billionaire and he had crazy money, he would be fighting somebody at 58… no,” he said on his Instagram.

Jake Paul and Mike Tyson | Credit: Jake Paul via YouTube

Fat Joe also emphasized his turbulent past, noting that Tyson’s fortune, allegedly amounting to nearly $1 billion, was mismanaged or stone during his prime. He said,

The man come from nothing, he made it, made a billion dollars, and 95 to 98% of that money got stolen from him… He’s had a f**ked up past and they stole all his money guys, they stole all his money.

He also reflected on the fight’s outcome and the criticism surrounding it. “Yo, the fight, it wasn’t Mike. He’s 58 years old,” he said defending Tyson and the fight’s outcome.

Fat Joe | Credit: @fatjoe via Instagram

“I’m really happy that… Mike Tyson, 58 years old, might have taken home $30 million last night,” he further said, arguing,

Throughout his life, he’s had so many people who have had their hand out… What do you think they do at the end of the fight? They all need $50,000, $100,000, $200,000, $500,000 — The fact that he walked in the ring by himself means he’s finally getting all his money.

Fat Joe also shared his appreciation for Jake Paul, for bringing up such an opportunity for Tyson, stating that not only did he put “that money in Iron Mike Tyson’s pocket,” but he also believes that he in no way wanted to embarrass the former champion, who is reportedly set to receive $20 million for the event.

How Did Mike Tyson Lose His Huge Fortune?

Mike Tyson, hailed as one of the greatest heavyweight champions, experienced both extraordinary triumphs and devastating setbacks. Dominating the boxing world in the late 1980s, Iron Mike amassed millions through fights and endorsements.

Mike Tyson | Credit: @miketyson via Instagram

However, his lavish lifestyle, marked by luxury mansions, exotic pets, and extravagant spending, coupled with legal troubles, led to financial turmoil. By 2003, Tyson had to file for bankruptcy.

He has opened up about his financial downfall and struggles that followed in a conversation with tennis star Nick Kyrgios. “At the beginning, I didn’t handle fame too well. You know because at first you want the fame of being a champion, but you have no control then,” he said.

I might not be in the mood, so I used to be violent about it. And then, I started getting quite a few lawsuits and I stopped. I’m a glutton for pain, but I stopped. I couldn’t sign anymore checks so. I was always being sued.

He further stated,

Constantly blew my money away from being sued and going to court and just associating with the wrong people and making bad business decisions. And it was just the whole caboot, pretty much. That was just me getting caught up in a vortex of destroying myself.

Mike Tyson in a still from The Hangover | Credits: Legendary Pictures

However, despite facing such struggles, Tyson has managed to rebuild his life. He regained his presence in the spotlight through acting roles in films like The Hangover and Rocky Balboa. As per Celebrity Net Worth, his net worth amounts to $10 million.

Nearly two decades after retirement from the sport, Tyson returned to the boxing ring to face off a 31-year-old younger opponent Jake Paul, whose victory at the event has left many skeptical of the final results.