‘Can’t even talk’: Mike Tyson opens up on debilitating health condition

Mike Tyson has revealed he suffers from sciatica, and the condition can occasionally leave him unable to talk.

The former heavyweight world champion, 56, was spotted in a wheelchair at an airport last month.

He has also been seen walking with the aid of a wooden stick, and Tyson revealed it is because he has sciatica.

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In an interview with Newsmax TV, Tyson said sciatica is the only health issue he suffers with, and spoke about how it impairs him when there is a flare up.

“I have sciatica every now and then, it flares up,” he said.

“When it flares up, I can’t even talk! Thank God it’s the only health problem I have. I’m splendid now.

“Everybody in my house is truly blessed and we’re all very grateful for whatever we have.”

Sciatica is a condition that causes nerve irritation and seems to be affecting Tyson’s back.
 

Tyson retired from boxing in 2005 due to a back issue, while he also struggled with a knee injury late in his career.

Despite the issue Tyson returned to the ring in 2020 to fight Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition bout.

But recently there have been growing concerns over Tyson’s health, partly fuelled by his own comments.

He claimed on his Hotboxin’ podcast that he believes he is going to die “real soon”.

He said: “We’re all gonna die one day of course. Then, when I look in the mirror, I see those little spots on my face.

“I say, ‘Wow. That means my expiration date is coming close, really soon.’”

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission