When a Legend is Forced out of the Game- A Look Back at Mike Tyson’s Final Fight

Mike Tyson will make his much-anticipated return to boxing after spending over 15 years away from the ring. ‘Iron’ Mike will face fellow icon Roy Jones Jr. in the main event of an exhibition bout on November 28, 2020. Chiefly, the card also sees Jake Paul looking to improve his nascent professional record as he takes on NBA star Nate Robinson.

Although Tyson’s return has drummed up plenty of fan-fare, the boxing world can’t help but pose tough questions. When Tyson fought his last bout in June 2005, he looked like a shell of his former self and fans are concerned. He’s making his comeback at the age of 54, and there’s no saying how he’ll perform in the contest.

Although Mike Tyson has looked like a straight-up savage in recent training videos, time waits for no man. His last fight against Kevin McBride, unfortunately, left a stain on his outstanding legacy. He’ll be looking to avoid a repetition of that night. Let’s take a look back at what is Mike Tyson’s final fight just days before he makes his return.

Mike Tyson vs Kevin McBride- June 11, 2005

Tyson came into the bout with questionable motivations, and his financial struggles were well-documented. He was going up against a journeyman who hadn’t broken through the mainstream ceiling, to say the least. Chiefly, Kevin had as Olympic pedigree and a physique advantage on his side going the biggest fight of his life.

McBride’s size was apparent from the get-go and he was effective with his distance management. Mike wasn’t able to let loose early, and it was clear that getting into range would be a nightmare. What’s more, Tyson did experience moments of success that drew a strong auditory response from the near 16,000 fans in attendance.

Although Tyson landed heavily on a few occasions, it seemed as though Kevin McBride was able to walk through his power. As round 6 drew near, Mike was visibly tired and resorted to unsavory tactics that merely led to point deductions. Furthermore, he was muscled up against the canvas and it was clear to all watching that the end was near.

However, no one could have predicted that the ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ would quit on the stool. However, that’s exactly what happened. ‘Iron’ Mike failed to answer the call of the seventh round and Kevin McBride would accrue the biggest win of his career. However, the spotlight was soon brought back to Tyson, who retired from the sport of boxing.