Mike Tyson says his loss to Jake Paul felt like a victory because he “almost died” earlier this year.

The 58-year-old lost to the YouTuber-turned-boxer by unanimous points decision in the highly criticized fight in Texas on Friday.

“This is one of those situations where you lost but still won,” Tyson wrote on Instagram.

“I’m grateful for last night. No regrets about getting in the ring one last time.

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

Fans booed towards the end of the contest, frustrated by the lackluster affair.

Tyson landed just 18 punches over the eight rounds, compared to Paul’s 78 as he lost for the seventh time in 57 fights.

The fight, originally scheduled for July, was postponed to May on medical advice after Tyson suffered a stomach ulcer flare-up which he has now revealed was more serious than it appeared at the start.

“To see my kids see me face to face and finish eight 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,” Tyson added.

“THANKS.”