Agence France Press

Washington, June 12:

Mike Tyson learned the hard way that he no longer has the heart for boxing, taking a beating from Irishman Kevin McBride before quitting after six rounds here on Saturday in what he called his ring farewell. “I can’t do this no more. I can’t lie to myself,” Tyson said. “I can’t do this. I’m not going to embarass the sport anymore. This is just my ending. “That’s it. It’s finished.” Tyson’s controversial 20-year career saw him become the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990 and fall into disgrace with rape and assault convictions and a one-year ban for biting Evander Holyfield’s ears. “I just don’t have it in me,” Tyson said. “I’m just finished with this. I’m no good anymore. I don’t think I have the stomach for this anymore.” Tyson’s final moments in boxing came late in a wild sixth round in which Tyson head-butted McBride and trapped his foe’s left arm, arousing fears he might break it the way he nearly did South African Francois Botha’s arm. “I was desperate to win,” Tyson admitted.

“Man I would have done anything.”

Referee Joe Cortez took two points from Tyson for the head-butt, which opened a gash under McBride’s left eye. The Irish journeyman rallied and pinned Tyson on the ropes before shoving

him onto his rear as round six ended. Tyson stayed seated for a few moments, then hesistatingly rose and walked to his corner, nevermore to return, his attempted comeback crushed. “I didn’t want to get up. I was tired,” Tyson said. “It wasn’t in my heart. I was doing it, but I didn’t want to go forward. I just didn’t have the desire to continue fighting. I felt like I was 120 years old. I feel like Rip Van Winkle right now.” In many ways, Tyson admitted that his boxing career has been over since the night in Tokyo when Buster Douglas knocked him out in the 10th round to take away the undisputed crown. McBride simply finished the job Douglas started. Tyson’s career ended 50-6 after his third loss in his final four fights.