By Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation
(photo credit to Emily Harney)
Mike Tyson and all of Team Tyson, especially manager Shelly Finkel, are feeling pretty confident right about now.  They finally were able to get the fight they have wanted all along; against the 6’6", 260 lb. Kevin "Clones Colossus" McBride, from Brockton, Mass., via Clones, Ireland, which is now set for June 11th at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C.  

After forgoing McBride close to a year ago for the supposedly cheaper, yet just as non-threatening type of opponent; in the name of Danny Williams, Finkel has learned an expensive lesson (Williams knocked out Tyson in round four of their 07/30/04 fight), or has he?  You know what they say about getting what you wish for.
 
"This is my chance to shine," stated the amiable McBride - who even sounds gigantic over the telephone!  
 
Having the pleasure to speak with McBride and his handlers today; during a break in the heavyweight hopeful’s daily training schedule, proved to be very enlightening in regards to the goals and aspirations of a proud fighter who insists his claim to fame will not be that of a "Tyson opponent".
 
"I left my home in Clones, Ireland to take my boxing career to the highest level," explained McBride, adding "this is a great accomplishment for me, because everyone wants to fight Mike Tyson and after three chances we will now fight and I’m finally getting my opportunity, I’m going to shock the world."
"Tyson is a stepping stone’" insists McBride.  "After I knock out Mike Tyson, I am going to fight for a world championship (McBride vs. John Ruiz in Boston?) and become the first ever Irish-born heavyweight champion!"
 
Claiming to be hungrier and training harder than ever before, McBride says the anticipated sold-out crowd in our nation’s capitol and the millions who will be watching via Pay-Per-View, will witness a quicker fighter who will be hitting the past-his-prime Tyson with so many right hands he will be begging for McBride’s just as hurtful left hand!
 
A tall boast from a fighter who definitely didn’t impress many of the television viewers during his last fight (5 round TKO win over Kevin Montiy 03/18/05).

"I heard Teddy Atlas said that I was so slow you could go get a sandwich before my punches would land," joked McBride who reasoned, "I needed some rounds, waiting for Tyson I hadn’t fought in almost a year and a half. I knew I wasn’t in there to impress, just to win - that was my plan".
 
A plan to make himself appear less threatening, more beatable?

Since his 12/17/92 professional debut (6 round draw vs. Gary Charlton) in Barking, England, McBride has compiled a respectable, yet not overly impressive record: 32-4-1 (27 KO’s).
Actually the most profoundly impressing point of McBride’s record may very well be his four losses (Louis Monaco ‘97, Axel Schulz ’97, Michael Murray ’98 and DaVarryl Williamson in ’02) - all by technical knockout - which puts McBride on the defensive.
"I took those fights on short notice, and looking back shouldn’t have fought those nights for various reasons (sickness, etc..), but I fear no man".
 
While the Mike Tyson of today is no longer the "baddest man on the planet" and hardly strikes fear in his opponents as he did to the petrified likes of Frank Bruno, Bruce Seldon, Michael Spinks and practically every fighter "Iron Mike" fought during his heyday, McBride realizes he will have to be at his best; and wants Tyson to be at his best as well.
 
"I’ve always idolized Mike Tyson because he was the best in our generation," said McBride, also stressing "I hope he is in great shape, because I don’t want to hear any excuses: like my knee, my this, my that, after I beat him.  He always had so much power and you don’t lose power."
 
Before his heading back to the gym, the 32 year old McBride noted "Tyson says he is depressed now, well after I knock him out so badly he will stay depressed for the next 100 years!"
 
The likable McBride, realizing this is the "Mike Tyson show" and that he may never get to a bigger stage, vows to be ready and will be at his hungriest and best.
 
The most compelling words as to the sincerity of McBride’s efforts come from the 100% Irishmen’s legendary and greatly respected trainer Goody Petronelli who said it all, " I would have NEVER taken this match if I honestly believed Kevin couldn’t beat him (Tyson)!" 
Best remembered as the long time trainer for the great, hall-of-fame world champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Goody is still driven in his quest for another champion.
A McBride victory over Mike Tyson would be a giant, or "Colossus" step in that direction.
Good luck to a couple of true gentleman.