McBride looks to reignite his career
4 July 2010 – Press Release
NESportsTV.com will present an online PPV broadcast featuring the return of former Irish heavyweight champion and 1992 Olympian Kevin McBride (34-6-1, 29 KOs) taking on Philadelphia veteran Robert Hawkins (23-15, 7 KOs) on July 10.
McBride, a native of Clones, Ireland, shocked the sports world in 2005 with a stunning 6th round TKO of former undisputed heavyweight champ Mike Tyson. The 66 Irishman parlayed that massive victory into a promotional contract with Don King. However, consecutive losses to tough Mike Mollo and former title challenger Andrew Golota kept him out of the ring for nearly three years.
I have Irish pride on my side, McBride said recently, I mean business this time. Nobody thought I could beat Tyson and I did. They didnt believe in me then and theyre going to doubt me now. I beat Tyson under tremendous pressure and feel that Im capable of beating anybody. Ive been out of action 2 years. I had injuries to my back, ankle and wrist, but Im healed now and ready to go all out. I was supposed to get a world title shot after I beat Tyson, but I didnt and that took away my hunger for boxing.
Prior to the Tyson victory, McBride won the vacant Irish heavyweight title in 1997 and represented his homeland in the 1992 Olympics as a super heavyweight. From 2002 2006 he accumulated a nine fight winning streak and has been in the ring with former title challengers Axel Schulz and Davarryl Williamson.
His opponent, Robert Hawkins, is no pushover. He has victories over Dominick Guinn, Terry Smith and Robert Wiggins. Hes also fought Samuel Peter, Eddie Chambers, Jason Estrada, Kevin Johnson and Oleg Maskaev twice.
