You probably saw the headline. Maybe a blurry thumbnail of a hospital bed or a black-and-white photo with "R.I.P." scrolled across it popped up in your feed. It happens every few months like clockwork. The internet has a strange, almost morbid obsession with the idea that Mike Tyson passed away.
But here is the reality: Mike Tyson is very much alive.
Honestly, the "Baddest Man on the Planet" seems to have more lives than a cat. If you’re looking for him right now, in January 2026, you won’t find him in an obituary. You’ll likely find him recording a podcast, hanging out at his cannabis ranch, or—more recently—getting involved in some wild political side-quests. Just this week, reports surfaced that he allegedly delivered a letter from Sean "Diddy" Combs to Donald Trump at the White House.
He's busy. He's active. He's definitely not dead.
Why the Internet is Convinced Mike Tyson Passed Away
Death hoaxes aren't new, but they stick to Tyson because of his genuine health scares. People see a "Breaking News" banner and their minds jump to the worst-case scenario. It doesn't help that Facebook and TikTok are breeding grounds for "engagement bait" where creators use manipulated images of car crashes to trick you into clicking.
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Most of these rumors trace back to a few specific events.
First, there was the 2024 ulcer incident. It was terrifying. Tyson later admitted he "almost died" in June of that year. He lost 25 pounds in eleven days. He had eight blood transfusions. During a flight from Miami to Los Angeles, he was throwing up blood and collapsed. Doctors found a two-and-a-half-inch bleeding ulcer. When Mike Tyson himself tells the press, "I asked the doctor if I was going to die," it’s going to generate headlines that linger for years.
Then there’s the wheelchair.
A few years back, photos of Tyson in a wheelchair at a Miami airport went viral. People assumed the end was near. In reality, it was a flare-up of sciatica. If you’ve ever had nerve pain, you know it’s no joke. Tyson said it gets so bad he can’t even speak. But a back issue is a far cry from a funeral.
The Near-Death Experience He Actually Had
We have to talk about that June 2024 scare because it changed how Tyson views his own mortality. He didn't just "feel sick." He was losing half his blood volume.
The fight with Jake Paul had to be postponed. Critics screamed that a 58-year-old had no business being in a ring, especially one who just needed a massive medical intervention to stay upright. Yet, Mike being Mike, he fought anyway. He went the distance. He lost the decision, sure, but he posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he felt like he won because he simply survived to get there.
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"To have my children see me stand toe to toe and finish 8 rounds... is an experience that no man has the right to ask for," he wrote.
That post is often misquoted by bot accounts. They take the "I almost died" part and strip away the context, making it look like a current announcement of his passing. It’s a classic case of digital telephone where the truth gets mangled for clicks.
What Iron Mike is Doing in 2026
If he isn't dead, what is he up to?
Tyson has become a sort of elder statesman of combat sports, albeit a very eccentric one. He’s recently been spotted in Dublin at his "Black Forge Inn" restaurant, filming content with Conor McGregor. They were seen eating together and discussing the philosophy of "fighting until we meet God."
He’s also leaned heavily into his "Behind the Mike" YouTube series.
- The Political Connection: As mentioned, the latest buzz involves him visiting the White House. Regardless of what you think of the politics, Tyson has maintained a decades-long friendship with Donald Trump.
- The Business Side: Tyson 2.0, his cannabis brand, is a juggernaut. It’s hard to stay dead when you’re managing a multi-million dollar empire and selling ear-shaped edibles.
- The Fitness: At 59, he still posts training clips. They aren't the 1986 "Kid Dynamite" speed, but they’d still knock most people into next week.
How to Spot a Celebrity Death Hoax
Don't get fooled again.
When you see a post saying Mike Tyson passed away, check the source. Is it the New York Times or ESPN? Or is it a website you’ve never heard of with fifty pop-up ads?
Look for the "RIP" images that use unrelated car crashes. Fact-checkers like AAP and Snopes have spent years debunking these specific Tyson rumors. Usually, if a legend like Tyson actually dies, every single TV station on earth will be wall-to-wall with it within ten minutes. If it’s only on your cousin’s Facebook feed, he’s fine.
Actionable Steps to Stay Informed
If you want the real story on Mike's health, follow his official channels. He is incredibly active on Instagram and X. If he’s posting a video of himself hitting a heavy bag or smoking a cigar, he’s doing okay.
Ignore the clickbait. Stop clicking on those "You won't believe which celebrity just died" links. They often contain malware or are just trying to farm your data.
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Mike Tyson has survived a lot. He survived the mean streets of Brownsville, a stint in prison, the loss of his fortune, and a life-threatening ulcer. He's still here, still talking, and still the most fascinating man in sports.