By Dave Wilcox

My beloved sport of Boxing has never been known for its character.  From the days of Tex Ricard to the current workings of Bob Arum. From Dempsey ducking black fighters to Andrew Golota getting three title shots in a row. As Boxing fans we always seem to have to look the other way and love the sport in spite of itself.

Never has there been a case of “looking the other way” as blatant as the story of Mike Tyson. Mike Tyson is equivalent to a cockroach, no matter what you do to get rid of him, he always re-emerges under the sink. I think Kevin McBride might have found the proper bug spray on Saturday night as Tyson quit following the sixth round. I have to be honest with you and admit I didn’t see the fight. I couldn’t come up with any reason to pay $50.00 to watch the traveling freak show any longer. I’ve seen this scenario too many times already. Tyson loses, Tyson has excuse, promoter puts Tyson in with tomato cans, Tyson wins and then Tyson gets embarrassed against a legitimate opponent. Sound familiar?

This time it looks like age, lack of character and a lack of motivation has finally been able to overcome power and talent. As I’ve been saying to Tyson apologists for years, Mike Tyson has not won a competitive fight in over thirteen years. Aside from that, he also has never come back after being in trouble. Basically he is the schoolyard bully who only likes to pick on the little guys. When pushed or when someone fights back he closes up shop and quits. Tyson used to rely on intimidation in his fights. He had guys shivering in their Ponys before they ever entered the ring. Buster Douglas forever ended that perception years ago in Tokyo. Ever since then, Tyson has been a shell of the fighter he should have been.

In recent years, he has knocked out more qualified trainers from his camp than fighters in the ring. He has been in trouble with the law, he has beaten up valets and he has embarrassed himself countless times with his comments. His comments on eating people’s children and his countless derogatory comments as it relates to women have been sickening at times. Mike Tyson has been an embarrassment to Boxing and himself. I’m glad to see the curtain is finally going to fall on Tyson’s career.

Having said that, I’m sure the Tyson loyalists will come up with a hurt knee or something and we will be back to step one of my Mike Tyson “groundhog day” scenario. Tyson supporters always find a reason why their man will once again be the baddest man on the planet. We non-believers have been waiting for a knight in shining McArmor to finally rid us of Tyson. It looks like Kevin McBride has left no doubt that Tyson is finished. Sometimes I want to feel bad for Tyson because he hard life and went through a lot as a young child. I understand his personal troubles, but at the same time he has been given so much. At some point in one’s life, you have to be accountable for your actions. That is something that Mike Tyson can’t seem to do. I don’t feel sorry for him. If anything, I’m selfishly angry at him for depriving me the pleasure of watching the “greatest fighter ever.”  That’s what he could have been. Instead of that, he has become a footnote in the history of the Heavyweight division. His supporters will cling to his run in the late eighties, but in the end he will never be considered with the likes of Ali, Holmes and Louis. You can’t be a quitter and an underachiever and still be in that class.

Funny thing is I’m sure Mike knows all of this, he is one of the greatest Boxing historians around. Tyson has viewed plenty of footage of the greats and is more versed in Boxing history than most fighters in the sport. Tyson has tarnished his career and tarnished how most fans will remember him.

In my opinion, Mike Tyson is the most disappointing fighter I have ever seen. He should have been the greatest of all time. His power and talent were fascinating to watch in the mid to late eighties, his lack of character and commitment has been painful to watch ever since.

I’m glad it’s over…….good riddance Mike Tyson