Mike Tyson’s close friend and former trainer Jeff Fenech recalls discovering the boxing great at his lowest ebb and fearing he was dead before he turned his life around

Mike Tyson before his bout with Jake Paul was postponed for health reasons 

One of Mike Tyson’s closest friends feared the boxing legend was dead after discovering him at home.

Australian boxing legend Jeff Fenech, who trained Iron Mike for his final pro fights, has been a pal since they first met back in the 1980s. Fenech, 60, who won world titles in four weights classes, remains in regular contact with Tyson and had been hoping to travel to Dallas for his fight with Jake Paul before it was postponed.

The 57-year-old has been sidelined on medical grounds following a recent ulcer flare-up. However, Tyson’s life and general health are in far better shape than almost 20 years ago.

Following the end of his illustrious and tumultuous professional fighting career in the mid-2000s, Tyson’s life unravelled even further as drug and alcohol abuse took their toll. On one occasion, Fenech was left devastated after travelling to the US to visit his friend, only to find him in a bad way.

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

Thankfully, Tyson managed to piece his life together and remains determined to fight YouTube-turned-boxer Paul. Fenech says the former ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ deserves immense credit, as do those within his inner circle, especially his third wife, Lakiha Spicer.

“I’m one of these guys who’s never had a smoke in my life, never had a drug in my life. I’ve never had a coffee!” added Fenech.

World champion trainer Jeff Fenech with Mike Tyson

“When I saw him on that occasion, it was sad. For him to be able to turn that around and be the person he’s become, teaching from his mistakes… He’s an amazing human.

“I know Mike Tyson better than anybody. If he’s your friend, he’s your friend forever. He helps so many people. Many people don’t realise 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 is an amazing lady and has played such a huge part.”