The Contender

"Capital Explosion" on Saturday, June 11, at MCI Center and Pay-Per-View on Showtime

Irish-American heavyweight Kevin McBride , will be online Wednesday, June 1, at Noon ET to talk about his upcoming fight with Mike Tyson on Saturday, June 11, in Washington at the MCI Center.

A transcript follows.

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Washington, D.C.: Mr. Mc Bride, Will you be wearing ear muffs? Seriously though, are you originally from Ireland, and if so, what town/region?

Kevin McBride: I am from Clones, Co. Monaghan. I represented Ireland at the 1992 Olympics as a Super Heavyweight. I was the youngest ever person (18) to qualify as a Super Heavyweight. I came to America a few years ago through my friend Steve "Celtic Warrior" Collins to train with Goody Petronelli best known as Marvelous Marvin Hagler's sole trainer.

As for the ear muffs the local Mayor gave me a pair in case I need them. But I am Six foot Six inches tall and it is unlikely that Mike Tyson will reach me and if Mike bites me he better look out because I have bigger teeth than him !

Kevin

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Washington, D.C.: Do you plan to see the new Russell Crowe movie, Cinderella Man, about a boxing champ's comeback?

Kevin McBride: Yes, hopefully during fight week I can go see the movie in DC when I have some downtime between light workouts and press meetings. I am big fan of James J. Braddock because he reminds me of myself a big Irish heavyweight who never gives up.

Regards

Kevin

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Washington, D.C.: Do you think the fight will be a sell-out?

Kevin McBride: absolutely, this is a big event. With great fights and tons of celebrities. This is the event of the summer for Washington, D.C.. You better rush and buy your tickets today because I have been hearing that tickets are going fast !

Kevin

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Washington, D.C.: What kind of music do you listen to while you're training?

Kevin McBride: Last Saturday I was a guest of U-2 at their Concert. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to meet Bono. His bodyguard tried to set up a meeting but it didn't come off. We listen to U2 all the time at the gym and when I run. I have been a big fan for many years.

Kevin

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Annapolis, Md.: Any special training for this fight?

Kevin McBride: yes, we have a secret weapon that we will unveil in the ring on June 11th. Hope to see you at the MCI Center.

Kevin

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Arlington, Va.: Where did the "Clones Colossus" name come from?

Kevin McBride: A local sports writer nicknamed me. Because I am from Clones County Monaghan and I am very big. Another fighter from Clones who went on to win a world champion was Barry "Clones Cyclone" McGuigan.

Kevin

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Washington, D.C.: Tyson's lost his last three. Will he lose against you?

Kevin McBride: Absolutely yes. I am going to shock the world and retire Mike Tyson.

Kevin

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Bethesda, Md.: Have you fought Tyson before or were you just scheduled to?

Kevin McBride: On two previous occasions I was suppose to fight Tyson. Once in 1995 and then again last summer the fight went to Danny Williams.

Kevin

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Bowie, Md.: When is the weigh-in?

Kevin McBride: Thursday 5:05 live on ESPN. I am not sure of the location but I believe it may be Howard University.

Kevin

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Vienna, Va.: If it's a quick finisher, I'm going to be disappointed. I want to see the fight go on some rounds. I feel cheated when it's over soon. What are your feelings? Do you believe in saving your best for last?

Kevin McBride: I am there to knock out Mike Tyson. There are no second chances you take the opportunity when it occurs. I agree I hate when fights only last a short time. Hopefully we are going to have a great fight with lots of action. Hope to see you there.

Kevin

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McNally/your fellow Irishman: Do me a favor and kick his _ _ _ for me. I'm sick of rooting for a loser!

Kevin McBride: Good man -

Hope to see you there. I need all the Irish support at the MCI Center. There are thousands coming from Boston and New York. It is going to be a big party. See you there.

Kevin

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Perryville, Md.: Why does it take so long to negotiate fights?

Kevin McBride: Because promoters want to keep all the money for themselves !

Kevin

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Olney, Md.: Do you worry about permanent injury as a fighter? Why are you a boxer/fighter?

Kevin McBride: Yes, that's why we train so hard. During training camp we spar, run and do strength training. It is important to be in top physical condition on fight night. Otherwise you get tired easy and your hands start to come down and you are unable to defend yourself increasing the risk of injury.

Kevin

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Silver Spring, Md.: Did you watch Sly Stallone's Contender reality series on NBC? If so, what did you think?

Kevin McBride: Yes, I was at the first tryouts in Brockton, Ma and had the opportunity to become friends with many of the senior people involved with the show. I thought the show put a positive light on the sport. In addition I was rooting for two local fighters Jeff Fraza and Peter Manfredo, Jr. Both nice guys who deserved a good payday. Overall I like the show but like most people in the business I didn't like how they only showed highlights of the matches. I thought they should have shown the matches unedited.

Hopefully the show will be back on another network next year.

Kevin

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Washington, D.C.: What's your message for Mike Tyson?

Kevin McBride: On June 11th it is going to feel like the whole of Ireland as an island have hit you on the chin.

Kevin

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College Park, Md.: What do you think of wrestling? Do you watch it?

Kevin McBride: Only mud wrestling.

Kevin

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Washington, D.C.: How do you plan on winning the fight? Any strategy?

Kevin McBride: Take the fight to Mike Tyson. I am a bigger, stronger man.

Kevin

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Kevin McBride: Thank you to Washington Post for having me today. Thank you for all you questions. Hope to see you all on June 11th at the MCI Center for an exciting night of heavyweight boxing.

Best Always,

Kevin McBride

Irish Heavyweight Champion

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Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.