Will Byrd-Klitschko II at MSG save the day for HBO?

[Neuraxis]

I guess this means that some of you guys can start up the Wlad does not deserve a title shot threads again.

By G. Leon March 14, 2005 - With WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko being forced to postpone his April 30 showdown against former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman, **********.com has already began to hear rumblings that Chris Byrd-Wladimir Klitschko could save the day for HBO. Klitschko advisor Shelly Finkel confirmed to us yesterday afternon that Byrd-Klitschko II was again in "explaratory stages" to replace Klitschko-Rahman on April 30 at Madison Square Garden. When it became clear that Byrd-Klitschko wasn't happening in Germany on April 23, Sergei Lyakhovich was secured (though no contracts have been signed yet) as Byrd's replacement. Remember, April 23 is a date HBO committed to Wladimir Kltischko when they bought for that disastrous Vitali Klitschko-Danny Williams PPV back in December.

[MetalVomit]

I guess this means that some of you guys can start up the Wlad does not deserve a title shot threads again.

This is good. I hope the fight comes off. Wlad has been my favorite Heavyweight since the Mercer fight. Hope he can overcome his shortcomings.

[joeboxer]

**** ya if Bryd gets a ton of money to fight Wlad in the US then he can't back down.

The only reason I don't like this fight is because it will be the last big fight for one of these guys. If Bryd loses nobody wants to fight him so he will be done, and if Wlad loses well maybe he could fight Michael Grant?

[!!Captain]

Didn't Wladimir sign with Showtime? I thought HBO terminated the contract with him after his last loss. I didn't know he can switch networks like that, doesn't he have a contract?

[SacTown1]

This fight is much-needed, both Byrd and Vladimir need a boost following their recent sup-par performances, this is truly a winner-take-all showdown, where the loser goes into obscurity adn the winner becomes an elite player in the division, I'll take Byrd on a come-from-behind decision, much similar to his last outing vs. McCline

[joeboxer]

Didn't Wladimir sign with Showtime? I thought HBO terminated the contract with him after his last loss. I didn't know he can switch networks like that, doesn't he have a contract?

Wlad is definitly property of HBO now. Or at the least a free agent because they always show the brothers in promos together.

[Enayze]

**** ya if Bryd gets a ton of money to fight Wlad in the US then he can't back down.

The only reason I don't like this fight is because it will be the last big fight for one of these guys. If Bryd loses nobody wants to fight him so he will be done, and if Wlad loses well maybe he could fight Michael Grant?

Not true, I think Vitali would be more than happy to give Byrd a title shot.

[MetalVomit]

Didn't Wladimir sign with Showtime? I thought HBO terminated the contract with him after his last loss. I didn't know he can switch networks like that, doesn't he have a contract?

Big Bro prolly flexed his muscle.

[ejk22]

I wish these fights would just be signed sealed and delivered already. I am getting so frustrated with this on again off again nonsense.

[ejk22]

Actually if Byrd fights hard enough he could get a fight with Barrett before he is forced to fight Wlad again. I noticed on IBF's website that Barrett is ranked the number one contender for the IBF belt.