Mike Tyson speaks out on health concerns after being spotted in a wheelchair

Mike Tyson has spoken out about his health after he was pictured in a wheelchair, sparking concerns from fans.

A couple of weeks back, the 56-year-old boxing legend was seen being wheeled through Miami International Airport while holding a walking stick.

It didn't take long before people started assuming the worst, with some writing on Twitter that the heavyweight champion was 'dying'.

But a source told TMZ that there was no need to worry as he was actually suffering from a 'sciatica flare-up' and that it was 'nothing too serious'.

The explanation has since been confirmed by the man himself, whose flare-ups are to be expected from such a physically demanding career.

In a new conversation with Newsmax TV, Tyson said: "I have sciatica every now and then, it flares up.

"When it flares up, I can’t even talk! Thank God it’s the only health problem I have. I’m splendid now.

"Everybody in my house is truly blessed and we’re all very grateful for whatever we have."

Sciatica is a condition where the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your feet, is irritated or compressed.

Symptoms include shooting pains that start in the lower back or butt and run down the back of the leg, and these can last between four to six weeks, sometimes more.

In short, it can be very uncomfortable - but it's in no way life-threatening, which Tyson's fans will be pleased to know.

That being said, Iron Mike did raise questions about his longevity last month as well while speaking on his Hotboxin' podcast.

In the episode, he said he's noticed ageing in recent years and is worried about how much longer he has on this earth.

"We’re all gonna die one day of course. Then, when I look in the mirror, I see those little spots on my face," he explained.

"I say, ‘Wow. That means my expiration date is coming close, really soon.'"

He didn't elaborate any further about his health or even if it was a concern, although his latest comments seem to suggest there's nothing too serious going on.

The athlete also reflected on how he's less focused on making boatloads of money because he feels it doesn't automatically translate into love and happiness.

"I always tell people: they think money’s gonna make them happy, they’ve never had money before — when you have a lot of money, you can’t expect nobody to love you," he continued.

"How am I gonna confess my love to you when you have $500 billion?

"The false sense of security. You believe nothing can happen. You don’t believe the banks could collapse.

"You believe that you’re invincible when you have a lot of money, which isn’t true. That’s why I always say money is a false sense of security."