"I'm not going to disrespect the sport by losing to this calibre of fighters". Irony notwithstanding, that was what Mike Tyson said after quitting on his stool in the 6th round against Irishman Kevin McBride in a heavyweight bout in Washington. If it wasn't clear before that "Iron" Mike is no longer the "Baddest Man On The Planet", can no longer compete for more than three rounds, and no longer has the ability to intimidate his opponents with his ferocity and vulgar ostentations, it was made all too apparent when Tyson admitted all of the above after the fight. "I most likely won't fight again", he said.

McBride, 33-4-1 (28), overcame a deliberate headbutt and an attempt by Tyson to break his arm to outlast the 38-year-old, culminating with a left hook to the head in the 6th which the referee called a slip. Tyson took his time getting up, then threw in the towel moments later.

It once was the case that the only losses Tyson, 50-5 (44), sustained were to quality fighters - a prime Buster Douglas, Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis. Now, sadly, after losing to Danny Williams and McBride, fighters Tyson would have annihilated in his heyday, it looks like not even Tyson's vulgar display of power is enough to overcome this mediocre lot of journeyman. If Tyson doesn't quit now, he'll become a journeyman himself.

He may be one already.