The heartfelt words of Mike Tyson from his post-fight interview after his fight with Kevin McBride nearly two decades ago have re-emerged, stirring emotions as he gears up for a sensational bout against Jake Paul.
At the age of 58, Tyson is set for an astonishing comeback to professional boxing next month, taking on the much younger American talent. Despite their considerable age gap – Tyson is more than 30 years older than Paul – the veteran last competed professionally in 2005 against McBride, where he was defeated in the fifth round.
However, Tyson did return to the ring for an exhibition match four years ago with another esteemed boxing icon, Roy Jones Jr. Anticipation is high for the upcoming face-off between Paul and Tyson, scheduled for November 15 at Arlington, Texas’ AT&T Arena, with the possibility of drawing a crowd of 90,000.
The initial plan was for the pair to square off in July, but Tyson had to withdraw due to a troubling ulcer flare-up. Now, despite lingering health worries, Tyson declares he’s in fighting shape and promises he will stride into the ring come fight night in just two weeks.
Following his loss to McBride, which marked his sixth professional defeat, Tyson made the decision to retire from boxing and delivered a moving interview post-fight within the ring. As the Texas showdown draws near, that interview has found new life online.
A TikTok user recently shared the full poignant moment featuring the ex-world heavyweight champion, with the telling caption: “19 years later… this is who Jake Paul is fighting”.
Tyson confessed after the 2005 fight: “I would have like to have continued but as soon as I was getting beat on I realised I don’t think I have it anymore.
“I got the ability to stay in shape, but I don’t got the fighting guts I don’t think anymore… I’m just sorry I let everyone down, I don’t have this in my heart anymore. I’m just fighting to take care of my bills basically, I don’t have the stomach for this anymore, I’m more conscious of my children and those guys, I’m looking at my opponents, I just don’t have that ferocity, I’m not an animal anymore.”
Tyson then expressed his desire to retire. “Yeah, most likely I’m not going to fight again, I’m not going to disrespect the sport anymore by losing like a coward in fights”, he continued.
“I’m sure I’ll find something to do, boxing doesn’t define me, I’m just sorry to the people in this city, I know I didn’t have it in my stomach no more, but I was in dire needs and I need to take care of my life. I’m not taking nothing away from Kevin, I don’t love this no more, I just don’t love this no more, I’ve not loved fighting since 1990, but Kevin congratulations on your career and good luck.”
Despite Tyson’s last professional bout being almost two decades ago, his forthcoming adversary – Paul – has been actively participating in the ring since his debut four years prior. ‘The Problem Child’ has already triumphed over big names such as Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley and Nate Diaz. The 27-year-old enters the showdown with the heavyweight legend following a crushing victory over ex-UFC combatant Mike Perry.
