Mike Tyson’s heartfelt speech following his bout against Kevin McBride, which took place 19 years ago, has popped up again as anticipation builds for his clash with Jake Paul.
The 58-year-old boxing icon is poised to make a stunning comeback to the ring in the coming month facing off against the youthful American. Tyson, who holds a 31-year age advantage over his incoming rival, entered the ring for his last professional fight back in 2005, ending with a defeat in the fifth round to McBride.
However, he did return for an exhibition match against the legendary Roy Jones Jr. just four years earlier. Paul and Tyson are set to collide on November 15 at the AT&T Arena in Arlington, Texas, potentially with an astounding 90,000 spectators watching.
Initially planned for July, their fight was postponed when Tyson had to withdraw due to an exacerbation of an ulcer. Notwithstanding doubts about his health this time, the seasoned boxer asserts he’s in prime shape and pledges to be ready for the fight night, now just weeks away.
Reflecting on Tyson’s career post-defeat to McBride, Tyson emotionally bowed out from professional boxing with a poignant interview inside the ring. That same interview is gaining traction once more as the face-off in Texas draws near.
A TikTok user recently shared the full segment showing the ex-champion in the ring; the caption read: “19 years later… this is who Jake Paul is fighting”.
A dejected Tyson stated: “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 barely hesitated and reiterated his intentions 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.
“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 match being almost two decades ago, his forthcoming opponent – Paul – has been consistently active 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.
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