I beat Mike Tyson in his last fight for just $150,000 and now I’m a tree surgeon

Kevin McBride’s life after his famous win over Mike Tyson in 2005 hasn’t been how you’d expect.

Boxing journeyman McBride got thrust into the spotlight in 2005, landing a huge opportunity against the fading boxing icon Tyson.

McBride beat Tyson who retired after an aggressive warCredit: Getty

Despite Iron Mike’s rapidly declining skills, the Irishman was still an underdog but he delivered a stunning blow.

Tyson appeared to be ahead on the judges scorecards, but tried to break his opponent’s arm in the sixth round.

It was a wild round which saw him deducted two points for an intentional headbutt, and he quit on his stool at the end of the round.

McBride was thrown into pure jubilation, with Tyson’s career over following his disappointing display.

The Irishman went on to fight until 2011, losing six of his eight fights before retiring following defeat to Mariusz Wach.

He was paid just $150,000 for his clash with Tyson, and has now been forced to take up alternative jobs after his career.

McBride explained: “I work with a tree surgeon now.

“He has me dropping trees, clearing snow, shouting ‘timber’ and all that.

“It is good. It keeps me busy. My job is I pick things up and I put things down.

“I have kids and a lovely wife. I still go to the gym and do a little bit boxing.

McBride’s life didn’t change, as he went back to manual labourCredit: Getty

“But life goes on. I’m also paving now, which is not easy – it’s manual work and I’ve lost about 15 pounds doing it.”

McBride is a name that will live on in the sport, despite returning to the routines of normal life.

Tyson had a legendary career, but fought too long due to the need for his own financial gain.

And the Irishman caught the power puncher at the worst time possible, but still felt the impact of his punches.

“Once he’s in the ring, he’s an animal. He wants you out of there, no matter what.

“I remember he hit me so hard in the 6th round I thought there was Leprechauns playing drums in my head, and I said to him ‘Is that all you’ve got?’ I was hoping that’s all he had got!

Tyson retired until making his comeback last year against PaulCredit: Getty

“After I fought him he said the hunger had gone. But he was trying to kill me in the ring.

“He was in there to do damage. I physically beat him, I caught him with some great uppercuts, and I could feel the energy sapping from him.”

Incredibly that was not the final bow on his professional record.

Tyson recently fought Jake Paul in a huge commercial showdown.

Unlike McBride, Paul earned $20 million but Tyson met the same fate, falling to defeat.