Boxing: Tyson to quit after sixth-round loss to McBride

WASHINGTON - Little known Irishman Kevin McBride scored a stunning upset victory over Mike Tyson after the former world heavyweight champion quit on his stool before the seventh round of their non-title bout.

Tiring badly, Tyson head-butted McBride in the first minute of the sixth round, delivering a nasty cut over the Irishman's left eye.

With blood streaming down his face, McBride continued to work inside, pushing the flagging Tyson to the canvas as the round ended.

Appearing unhurt but clearly short of energy, Tyson staggered to his corner and slumped on his stool where his cornermen requested referee Joe Cortez to stop what could be his last fight.

"I don't have the guts to be in this sport anymore," said Tyson, three weeks shy of his 39th birthday.

"I don't want to disrespect the sport that I love. I'm sorry for the fans who paid for this." Tyson said.

"I wish I could have done better."

At 6ft-6ins and weighing 271 pounds, McBride was seven inches taller and 38 pounds heavier than Tyson.

McBride's record improved to 33-4-1 with 28 knockouts but Tyson is clearly the most impressive scalp on the Clones native's record.

"This win was for the pride of Ireland," McBride said.

After losing three of his last four fights, Tyson's record fell to 50-6 with 44 knockouts.

- REUTERS