By Tom Donelson
You can now say it, Wladimir Klitschko is the best heavyweight in the world and his demolition of Chris Byrd clarified the big picture. Okay, there are four official heavyweights. but after reviewing the last big bouts in the division leaves no doubt who is the best. That man is Wladimir Klitschko.
Look at it this way. Hasim Rahman beat James Toney in the ring but the fight was still scored a draw. He failed to dominate or batter Toney, and the fight was not the definitive statement that Rahman needed.
Chris Byrd cousin, Lamon Brewster, was on the losing end of his fight against Serguei Lyakovich in a tough and entertaining bout. Russian giant Valuev defeated John Ruiz in a close and controversial decision. There are some who consider Valuev a hero for just eliminating Ruiz from his title, but no one is ready to crown Valuev the best in the division.
So when Wladmir Klitschko pounded Byrd and stopped the crafty American in seven, he did what only one other fighter was able to accomplish - he stopped the tough Byrd within 12 rounds. The biggest criticism is that Byrd is no big puncher and that is true, but he was considered the best and Klitschko did not just beat Byrd, he destroyed him. It wasn't even close and it started with Klitschko's jab that rarely missed. Klistchko had enough hand speed to consistently nail Byrd, something that rarely happened in the past. Yes, Byrd is not the same fighter as in the past but Klitshcko made it easy.
Klitschko made a comeback. It was not that long ago that Klitschko was written off but after last Saturday night, Klitschko claimed the championship that has long since predicated for him. Byrd's goal was to use his quick hands and defensive skills to force Klitschko to fight and wear himself out.
Byrd wanted to test his opponent's heart but he failed to count on one thing. He could not cope with Klitschko's quickness and power as his faced busted open as a result of accurate Klitshcko's punches. Klitschko's clarified his own place in the heavyweight, forget all the other champions.
If Klitschko's victory clarified the top of the heavyweight division, then the Sykes-Bryant clarified the place of these two fighters.
Sykes is a boxer with little punch in his power. With just 6 knockouts in 24 victories, Sykes lack of power makes Byrd look like Rocky Marciano. He throws punches and holds, but this strategy did not work against Samuel Peter and it did not work against Derek "the one man riot" Bryant, either. Both fighters came into the fight struggling to gain entry into the top 20 and potential big money fights down the road.
When both men moved up in class, they often got knocked back down. This fight was one of those survival bouts that merely determined pecking orders. Win and you might get another TV gig and maybe if you win against a contender or two, you will get a big or at least bigger money fights.
Sykes punches did little to discourage Bryant and by the third round, Bryant inside fighting proved the difference as he sent Sykes down twice. Using upper cuts and right hooks from a southpaw stance, Bryant just slugged Sykes senseless. After a third knockdown; Sykes went through the ropes and began wandering through the crowds. Sykes did not know where he was.
Bryant finally had his first big win against a potential contender and Sykes now found himself with a second knockout defeat. In boxing, there are contenders and there are pretenders. Bryant and Sykes may be good fighters but at this point in their careers, they are not top ten or even top 20 fighters. But, Bryant's hard driving style is entertaining and his victory over Sykes at least assures him of another TV date. For some fighters, that becomes their goal and highlights.
