Mike Tyson says his defeat 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 a unanimous points decision in the heavily 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. I don’t regret being 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 to fight, so I won.”

Fans booed towards the end of the match, frustrated by the dull 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, initially scheduled for July, was postponed in May on medical advice after Tyson suffered a flare-up of a stomach ulcer, which he has now revealed was more serious than first appeared.

“For my kids to see me stand toe-to-toe and finish eight rounds with a talented fighter half my age, in front of a packed Dallas Cowboy Stadium, is an experience no one has the right to ask for,” Tyson added.

“Thank you.”