Boxing legend Mike Tyson is proud despite the defeat, but in part because he overcame a medical problem the extent of which had not been publicly revealed before the fight.

In its first statement on social media following Friday’s loss to Jake PaulTyson said he “nearly died” and “lost half his blood” during a medical episode earlier this year.

“This is one of those situations where you lost but still won,” Tyson wrote. “I’m grateful for last night. No regrets about getting in the ring one last time.”

“I almost died in June. I had 8 blood transfusions. I lost half my blood and 25 pounds in the hospital and had to fight to get healthy again, so I won .”

“Seeing my children see me face to face and finish 8 rounds with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy Stadium is an experience no man has the right to ask for. Thank you.”

It is assumed that the incident Tyson is referring to is the one that delayed the fight with Paul. Initially, the fight was scheduled to take place in July, but was delayed after Tyson suffered a medical emergency on a flight due to an ulcer.

Tyson has spoken about the incident in various interviews and offered graphic details (like the fact that he defecated a tar-like substance), but has not mentioned the seriousness of using this vernacular.

Tyson, 58, lost by unanimous decision to Paul at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. The fight was largely unbalanced because the difference in age and cardio was obvious.

To learn more about the card, visit MMA Junkie’s Event Center for Paul vs. Tyson.

This article was originally published on MMA Junkie: Mike Tyson reveals he ‘almost died’ before Jake Paul fight