Tyson's loss may be his final fight

WASHINGTON — The end came for Mike Tyson while he was sitting on a stool. The fighter who was once the baddest man on the planet wanted no more.

Looking more like a pathetic, aging fighter than the man who once terrorized the heavyweight division, Tyson's career more than likely ended Saturday night when he quit after the sixth round after desperately trying to foul his way to a win against Kevin McBride.

Nineteen years after he became the youngest heavyweight champion ever, Tyson's stamina, speed and ring skills weren't even enough to beat an Irish journeyman who has never beaten a heavyweight of any note.

"I don't have the stomach for this anymore," Tyson said. "I most likely won't fight anymore. I'm not going to disrespect the sport by losing to this caliber of fighters."

The sixth round was bizarre even by the standards of a fighter once banned from boxing for biting Evander Holyfield's ears.

Tyson tried to break McBride's arm in the final round, then tried to hit him low. When all else failed he aimed his head at McBride's forehead, butting him and opening a cut next to his left eye.

"I was desperate," Tyson said. "I wanted to win."

When the round ended, though, it wasn't McBride who was in trouble. It was Tyson, pushed to the canvas by his 6-foot-5, 271-pound opponent, with his head stuck between the ropes. Tyson seemed barely able to get up and, when he did, he wobbled to his corner and sat on the stool for one last final time.

"I felt like I was 120 years old," Tyson said.

Trainer Jeff Fenech stroked Tyson's face as referee Joe Cortez came by to ask if he wanted to continue. Tyson didn't, likely bringing an end to a career that began in such spectacular fashion but flamed out amid Tyson's inability to deal with the pressures of being in the spotlight.

Tyson sat on his stool blankly watching McBride's celebration, a white towel draped over his shoulder. When he got up to congratulate his opponent, McBride kissed him on the left cheek.

"I could have gone on but I thought I was getting beat," Tyson said. "I don't think I have it anymore."

It was the third loss in the last four fights for Tyson, who was trying to fight his way out of $40 million in debt and back into contention in a wide open heavyweight division. But, just as he did against Danny Williams last July, he faded badly as the rounds went on and tried to resort to street fouls to turn the tide against McBride.