The last man to face Mike Tyson can’t wait to see the former undisputed heavyweight champion’s next fight.
Irishman Kevin McBride ended Iron Mike’s career 15 years ago in shocking circumstances, earning an unlikely stoppage win when Tyson retired on his stool after six rounds of a rough and ready encounter in Washington.
Tonight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, a 54-year-old Tyson returns against four-weight champion Roy Jones, 51, in an eight-round exhibition for charity that has drawn significant publicity.
Is Tyson hellbent on a knockout or will the bout be a glorified spar? Like the rest of us, McBride is not quite sure what to expect, but he’d love a second crack at Tyson if the former champ’s comeback continues after Saturday night.
“It’s very strange but Tyson is a mega-star, everybody is interested,” McBride told Sky Sports. “He’s still dangerous. Everyone wants to know what type of fighter he will be.
“He tried to bite my nipple off so maybe he will try to bite Jones’ nose off!
“I don’t think [the Jones fight is] a good idea, no. But the thing about us fighters? We want to fight.
“I’d like to see him knock Jones out then say, ‘I want to fight the last man to beat me!’ Of course, I would love to mix it up with Tyson again. I would definitely give him a rematch and fight him again. I’d like an opportunity to finish the job.
“Tyson is in phenomenal shape. He looks like a man who is hungry for the game,” added McBride. “He’s giving me motivation. Tyson will want to take Jones out early. That’s what he likes to do.
“It’s amazing, out of the blue, that after 15 years he is coming back. But I hope nobody gets hurt.”
Main image: McBride and Tyson face off in 2005. Photo: Press Association.