Mike Tyson Admitted He ‘Fought Like A Coward’ In Defeat: “I Won’t Disrespect The Sport Again”

At the height of his career, Mike Tyson was the most formidable fighter on the planet.

Tyson entered the professional ranks back in 1985 when he was just 18-years-old, establishing himself as a serious heavyweight contender in no time at all.

After an outstanding start to his career, which saw him win his first nineteen bouts via stoppage, ‘Iron’ Mike made history in 1986 when he blasted out WBC heavyweight champion Trevor Berbick in the 2nd round of their showdown to become the youngest heavyweight champion of all time.

He followed this historic victory with wins over WBA champion James Smith and IBF champion Tony Tucker to achieve undisputed status just one month after his 21st birthday.

After a number of personal issues outside of the ring, Tyson’s career was hampered significantly and by the early 2000’s he was a shadow of his once ferocious self, which was made clear in his performance against Ireland’s Kevin McBride in 2005.

Speaking after he was beaten by McBride, Tyson admitted to fighting like a ‘coward’ against the Irishman, as he claims he had ‘fallen out of love’ with boxing.

“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 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. 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.”

‘Iron Mike’ made a sensational return to the ring last November, suffering a points defeat to Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in their controversial showdown at the AT&T Stadium in Texas on November 15, his first professional outing in just shy of two decades.