By Matthew Hurley
Although he hasn’t been the most popular of prize fighters, not by a long shot, Chris Byrd has remained perched precariously at the top of the heavyweight pile of debris for almost five years now. In fact the articulate young man who began his career as a middleweight has produced an enviable resume. His willingness to step up and take on all comers in a division where he is usually outweighed and outsized is a remarkable testimony to both his fighting spirit and his sense of pride.
Despite being criticized as “boring” or “too small” and even being largely ignored by his own promoter Don King, who he has since dismissed, the undersized heavyweight now sits atop the division if for only that he refuses to go away. Should he beat Wladimir Klitschko in their rematch this Saturday, Chris Byrd, whether you like him or not, will be the number one heavyweight in the world.
Now if you disagree with that notion let’s run down the list of opponents he’s taken on since he jumped into the heavyweight mix and then you tell me who should be ranked above him. Lionel Butler, Bert Cooper, Ike Ibeabuchi, Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko, Maurice Harris, David Tua, Evander Holyfield, Fres Oquendo, Andrew Golota and Jameel McCline. His tricky, defensive style may leave some observers yawning but you can’t begrudge the man his respect because he keeps climbing in the ring against anyone who will face him and that, in itself, is the essence of a true prize fighter.
As his career begins to come full circle and the wear and tear of sixteen years in the ring begins to slow down his reflexes, Byrd has altered his style and has begun to stay in the pocket against the behemoths in front of him, almost demanding that they test their strength and mettle against him. His last name, and original style, may have suited him perfectly but he no longer flies around the ring taunting his slower opponents. In fact he says that the big men should be ashamed of themselves if they don’t engage him in trench warfare because, hey, he’s the so-called “little guy”.
“If these guys grab and hold me,” he says, trying to suppress a smile, “then what does that say about them? I’m the small guy. At least that’s what everybody has been saying about me. I’m the small one who can’t punch. But I must be able to punch a little bit because none of these big guys are running over me. If they weren’t respectful of my skill and my punching ability why don’t they just come out and try to flatten me? It’s because once they’re in the ring with me they realize that size has nothing to do with anything if you’ve got the skills. I can box. I can box circles around most of these guys but if you really watch me I’m right there in front of them. I’m not running from anybody. And I won’t run from Klitschko.”
Wladimir Klitschko somewhat revived his damaged career with a win over Samuel Peter. The fight didn’t lack drama, or several agonizing moments for fans of the big Ukrainian when he hit the canvass three times on his way to a unanimous decision victory. In fact, getting up from those knockdowns may have been a more desirous result than had he beaten the power punching Peter easily behind his stiff left jab. Byrd agrees.
“When I fought Wladimir six years ago he was the big man on campus. He was being groomed to take over once Lennox Lewis retired. And then he goes through his problems, getting knocked out and getting ripped up by the press. But he came back. You have to respect that, and I do. If you can come back from defeat in this game you’ve proven yourself and he’s done that. I’m going into this fight with the mentality that I’m facing the best big man out there. A big man with excellent offensive tools.”
But don’t expect the IBF heavyweight champion to cower in the face of a hulking fighter that stands nearly seven inches taller than him. Byrd is adamant that he will engage Klitschko and test his resolve. He may have no choice considering that he is returning to the lion’s den of Mannheim, Germany where it will be nearly impossible for him to get a fair shake on the judges score cards should any rounds be close. American fighters are always vulnerable to bad judging when fighting oversees and Byrd is well aware of that. In fact, his first bout with Klitschko was marred, at least in Byrd’s eye, from the unusual swelling he suffered over his eyes. Never before and not since has the fighter from Flint, Michigan ever swelled in a fight. The implication from Chris that something nefarious was going on has always lingered but he’s since tried to distance himself from that night.
“Whatever happened,” he says, that smile creeping onto his face, “it’s over and done with. But it was very strange.”
This time around Byrd doesn’t have the safe haven of a promoter looking out for his best interests, but then he never really had that when he was under contract for Don King anyway. He’s doing this alone, with his team and he prefers it that way.
“Don King is an interesting guy,” he chuckles. “I love all the talk at the press conferences and the atmosphere but it’s completely different behind closed doors. There’s a whole different side that people on the outside don’t see. I mean it’s just endless headaches that frustrate you and can really mess up your mind. It’s very easy to lose focus when Don is demanding things from you and all you want to do is prepare.”
Ultimately this fight represents an opportunity for Byrd to separate himself from the heavyweight pack. While many observers see an underwhelming group of underachievers Byrd sees a bunch of heavyweights champing at the bit to get their opportunity to fight for a title. It can make for some pretty compelling bouts.
“Just look at the Lamon Brewster – Sergei Liakhovich fight. Everyone was beginning to think Lamon was going to be the man but you can’t slack up when you have the belt because these guys are hungry for it and Lyakhovich showed what can happen. And it was an exciting fight. Anything can happen in any fight in the heavyweight division right now. I think the heavyweights are being over criticized because there are guys in this division who can really fight.”
One of those guys who can really fight is Chris Byrd. He’s proven his worth over the years by out-hustling and, yes, being the tougher guy against more physically imposing foes. As his career enters its final stage Chris Byrd seems happier than he has in recent years. Getting out from under the oppressive machinations of promoter Don King has obviously liberated his spirit. He’s enjoying boxing again. His opponent Saturday night is still viewed as a shaky question mark despite all the physical advantages he has. Should Klitschko adopt the same clutch and grab style he used against fearsome puncher Samuel Peter, Chris Byrd will have immediately won the psychological battle. And it’s Wladimir’s shaky resolve that must be tested.
“If he starts grabbing and holding me, the little guy who can’t punch, then shame on him. I’m going to be right there. I’m not going to run. I’m going to take it to him. It’s going to be a very exciting fight.”
An exciting heavyweight fight is what boxing needs right now. It also needs a recognized champion. Chris Byrd, a fighter so often counted out by the press and his peers is still here, still beating guys and still laying claim to being the best fighter in the division. Deny him all you want but at least respect him for climbing through those ropes with the fearless attitude that he can beat any big man on the planet. That’s not just the courage of fighter; it’s what being a champion is all about.