Mike Tyson cozies up to wife Lakiha on romantic St Barths getaway… days after his shock ‘depression’ reveal
Mike Tyson was living life to the fullest in St. Barths over the holiday season, just days after sharing a heartbreaking confession.
The boxing legend, 58, revealed this weekend that he was struggling with depression in the wake of his blockbuster Netflix showdown with Jake Paul.
However, Iron Mike appeared to have put aside both his post-fight blues and the defeat in the ring as he enjoyed a romantic getaway with his wife Lakiha in the exclusive Caribbean destination.
The couple, who tied the knot in 2009, were among the ‘who’s who’ who received a coveted ticket to ‘The Saint Barths Dinner by Gala One’ on Sunday.
The hyper-exclusive invitation-only dinner took place at the glamorous five-star Eden Rock Hotel, where Tyson mingled with other distinguished guests.
Mike Tyson (center) attended the Saint Barths Dinner by Gala One with his wife Lakiha (left).
The boxer, 58, clung to his wife of 15 years as they appeared to head to the dance floor
The couple made their night out a family affair as they attended with their daughter, Milan, 16. The trio were pictured at the entrance to the event as Tyson, wearing a colorful Hawaiian-style shirt and white trousers, with an arm around knocked him over. his wife’s waist and draped the other over his daughter’s shoulders.
Lakhia cut an elegant figure in a halterneck midi dress with a striking black and white print, while Milan dazzled in a one-shouldered silk dress.
Inside, the boxer was spotted cozying up to his wife as the pair embraced. Lakiha, also known as ‘Kiki’, threw her arms around her husband’s neck as they appeared to hit the dance floor.
The Tyson family trio were captured at a cheetah-print covered table as they and their fellow guests prepared to feast on the gala dinner.
Tyson also appeared to take charge of the auction as he was given the microphone and joined on stage by Leonardo Del Vecchio, Alec Monopoly and Richie Akiva to help put items under the hammer.
Meanwhile, Tyson was also pictured with Diego Fernandes, the CEO of consultancy O8 Partners.
The family outing came just days after Tyson admitted he had hit a bit of a slump following the high of his return to the ring.
Tyson was soundly defeated by Paul, who is 31 years his junior, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in November.
The event, which was streamed to 65 million people on Netflix, was Iron Mike’s first professional fight in 19 years.
Tyson struck various fighting stances as he posed for the cameras throughout the event
At the Eden Rock hotel, Tyson mingled with his other distinguished guests
Tyson and Lakiha were joined at the exclusive event by their daughter Milan (pictured left).
Tyson’s return to the sport was highly controversial, with the boxing community left divided due to the age difference between the boxing legend and Paul.
While the once undisputed champion received a lucrative payday, his return to normality leaves him feeling melancholy.
“That fight was such a big climb – we were so high and so excited,” Tyson said FOX Sports Radio.
“The fight’s over, boom. Wow, I’m a little depressed. We have to go back [into] our living situation [daily life]back to life. [We were] training for it 9 months.’
Paul and Tyson were scheduled to face each other in July, but the former world champion was forced to withdraw due to a stomach ulcer, causing the event to be postponed until November.
The 58-year-old’s health problems were cause for concern for boxing fans and experts alike before he suffered his seventh professional defeat to Paul.
After the collision, Tyson took to social media to share his pride in returning from a supposed near-death scare to returning to the ring.
“This is one of those situations where you lost, but you still won. I’m grateful for last night. No regrets about stepping into the ring one last time.
The boxing veteran even took the stage as he appeared to help with the gala’s auction
Lakhia looked elegant in a halter neck midi dress with a striking black and white print
Tyson, who lost to Jake Paul in November, was pictured with Diego Fernandes (centre)
‘I almost died in June. Had 8 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.
“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. Thank you.’
Before entering the ring, Tyson wasn’t shy about opening up about the events that left him wondering if he would survive.
Speaking to New York Magazine, Tyson explained: ‘I was in the bathroom throwing up blood. I asked the doctor, ‘Am I going to die?’ He said, ‘We have options.’
‘Options? I couldn’t believe it. I’ve had eight blood transfusions. The doctor said I lost half my blood. I almost died.
‘I lost 25 pounds in 11 days. Couldn’t eat. Liquids only. Every time I went to the toilet it smelled like tar. It didn’t even smell like shit anymore. It was disgusting.
‘It threw me off [when I continued training]. All my coordination, endurance, everything was hectic to get back. I was already at my peak. I could have fought him that day, now I had to start all over again. I just don’t give up. I’m a *** sometimes. I am advertisement***. If I have not outlived my enemies, I have turned them into my friends.”