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Chris Byrd Falls Short
Former Heavyweight Champion Chris Byrd (40-5-1 21KO’s) fell via TKO to hungry contender Shaun George (17-2-2 8KO’s) in the 9th round. Despite coming in at what appeared to be the best shape of his life, and his lowest weight in a pro fight (174lbs.) Chris Byrd looked sluggish and weight drained. Byrd has now lost three of his last four fights and sustained an injury to his left arm as a result of a knockdown in the 9th round by Shaun George.
Chris Byrd started slow in the first round, fighting flat-footed, on the defensive, and wasn’t able to avoid the jab or right hand of George. Byrd was also wobbled and eventually dropped in the opening round. In the first half of the fight George looked very prepared, staying on his toes, tagging Byrd consistently with right hands that he wasn’t able to avoid at any point in the fight. Byrd had such a tough time he switched orthodox, which is very unusual for Byrd. Despite his best efforts George walked away with a 40% to 27% connect advantage.
Byrd was knocked down three times during the course of the fight (once in the first round and twice in the ninth round) which caused referee Jay Nady to stop the action in the ninth round. The time of the stoppage was 2:45. Shaun George has also stated in an interview after the fight that he is ready, willing, and able to fight any light heavyweight fighter from contender to champion.
Now the question remains, was the weight drop for Byrd too fast, too soon? Or is it simply too little to late for the former heavyweight champion who is now 37 years old? Or is Shaun George the real deal at light heavyweight?
Byrd did apologize to his family for the loss and appeared extremely disappointed in his performance. I felt Byrd showed the heart and courage necessary to compete even at this stage in his career but you have to wonder if his natural talent and ability have diminished. My analysis would have to be the weight drop played a factor and his age is catching up with him.
My scorecard for the first 8 rounds is as follows:
5 rounds to 2 rounds with 1 round even for George.
Rounds: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 for George (with a point deduction in round 1 for the knockdown)
Rounds: 6 and 7 for Byrd
Round 8: Even
NOTE: PG&E failed us so this was done in five minutes once power was restored.
is it any good?
Former Heavyweight Champion Chris Byrd (40-5-1 21KO’s) fell via TKO to hungry contender Shaun George (17-2-2 8KO’s) in the 9th round. Despite coming in at what appeared to be the best shape of his life, and his lowest weight in a pro fight (174lbs.) Chris Byrd looked sluggish and weight drained. Byrd has now lost three of his last four fights and sustained an injury to his left arm as a result of a knockdown in the 9th round by Shaun George.
Chris Byrd started slow in the first round, fighting flat-footed, on the defensive, and wasn’t able to avoid the jab or right hand of George. Byrd was also wobbled and eventually dropped in the opening round. In the first half of the fight George looked very prepared, staying on his toes, tagging Byrd consistently with right hands that he wasn’t able to avoid at any point in the fight. Byrd had such a tough time he switched orthodox, which is very unusual for Byrd. Despite his best efforts George walked away with a 40% to 27% connect advantage.
Byrd was knocked down three times during the course of the fight (once in the first round and twice in the ninth round) which caused referee Jay Nady to stop the action in the ninth round. The time of the stoppage was 2:45. Shaun George has also stated in an interview after the fight that he is ready, willing, and able to fight any light heavyweight fighter from contender to champion.
Now the question remains, was the weight drop for Byrd too fast, too soon? Or is it simply too little to late for the former heavyweight champion who is now 37 years old? Or is Shaun George the real deal at light heavyweight?
Byrd did apologize to his family for the loss and appeared extremely disappointed in his performance. I felt Byrd showed the heart and courage necessary to compete even at this stage in his career but you have to wonder if his natural talent and ability have diminished. My analysis would have to be the weight drop played a factor and his age is catching up with him.
My scorecard for the first 8 rounds is as follows:
5 rounds to 2 rounds with 1 round even for George.
Rounds: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 for George (with a point deduction in round 1 for the knockdown)
Rounds: 6 and 7 for Byrd
Round 8: Even
NOTE: PG&E failed us so this was done in five minutes once power was restored.
is it any good?