MIKE TYSON has attempted to explain his ‘broken back’ comments after his KO loss to Lennox Lewis in 2002.
The American was stopped in the eighth round of his fight as he failed in his bid to become unified heavyweight champ.
In trying to find the words to explain his loss, Tyson told stunned reporters in the ring that he had an injured back.
Iron Mike said at the time time: “I broke my back, my back is broken. Spinal!”
Now, 19 years later, the 54-year-old has tried to explain what he meant.
In an interview with Dan Cannobio of Compubox TV, Tyson said: “Well listen right, I have a bad back and since all of the work that I’ve put over the years, the spine in my back just starts shifting.
“I have to get the operation but the doctor said, ‘Hey eventually you’re gonna have to start bending over’.
“And so I was trying to explain my situation. I just wasn’t eloquent enough to explain it in the way I wanted it to be explained.”
Tyson is training again for the first time since his comeback fight against Roy Jones Jr.
The heavyweight legend returned to the ring after 15 years out in November, and did so with massive pay-per-view success.
Tyson, 54, and Jones, 51, boxed to a draw over eight exhibition rounds in a fight that provided more clinching than punching.
Iron Mike confirmed afterwards that he will lace up the gloves as soon as possible, and even called for a rematch.
And it appears he is wasting no time in preparing for his next fight after hitting the pads with trainer Rafael Cordeiro.
In a clip shared on Instagram, Tyson lets his hands go with rapid speed, slipping and rolling in between, showing off smart defence.
A separate clip revealed the iconic puncher working solely on his defence, slipping several shots coming his way before bouncing on his toes.
Tyson and Jones are believed to have banked £60million for the 1.6million PPVs they sold.
