A close friend and former trainer of Mike Tyson has lifted the lid on the time he feared the Baddest Man on the Planet was dead after discovering him unconscious in Las Vegas.

The 57-year-old was due to return to professional boxing for the first time in nearly 20 years on July 20.

But his fight against Youtuber-turner-boxer Jake Paul was postponed after the former heavyweight champion suffered a medical scare.

Tyson was the victim of an ‘ulcer flare-up’ on a flight, with the 57-year-old becoming nauseous and dizzy. Airline staff were forced to ask passengers if there was a doctor on board and Tyson was later treated by paramedics.

But the former heavyweight king has come through far worse according to Jeff Fenech, who has known Tyson since the 1980s and even trained him.

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Mike Tyson was due to return to professional boxing to face Jake Paul in Texas on July 20

Jeff Fenech has known Tyson since the 1980s and even trained the former heavyweight king

Mike Tsyon seen working out days before health scare

He recalled visiting Tyson’s Vegas home in the mid-2000s and fearing the worst. The heavyweight struggled with drugs and alcohol following his turbulent career.

‘I’ve been in a room with him when I thought he was dead, I thought I’d never see him again,’ Fenech told the Mirror.

‘I saw him in the worst way possible. Me and my wife flew into Vegas one day and went to the house. He was slouched in the lounge.

‘I tried to wake him. I then walked outside and I actually cried. I thought I wasn’t going to see him again.’

Fenech is a former three-weight world champion who reportedly remains in contact with Tyson.

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‘I’ve been in a room with him when I thought he was dead, I thought I’d never see him again’

He was hoping to be ringside for the Paul fight, which is now slated for later in 2024 – despite ‘genuine concerns’ about whether the fight will ever take place.

‘I know Mike Tyson better than anybody. If he’s your friend, he’s your friend forever,’ he said.

‘He helps so many people. Many people don’t realize that. I’ve travelled the world with him. I’ve seen him take money out of his pocket and give it beggars.’

‘The biggest thing I’ve learnt is that if you’ve got good people around you, good things will happen. Mike’s wife (Lakiha Spicer) is an amazing lady and has played such a huge part.’