Lightest-hitting heavyweight in history?

[Guest]

I was watching a Byrd fight the other day and while I admired the skills I can never get over at how little punch he seems to have. Is there any heavy in history that's had as little power as Byrd - certainly at the contender/champion level?

Ali doesn't even come into it... at world title level Byrd's on a 14% KO ratio, against 52% for Ali... and obviously Ali had a higher level of competition.

This isn't a criticism of Byrd, obviously I'm aware that there's more to winning fights than KO power, but I'm just asking the question. The only fighter I've seen at contender(ish) level that hits as hard (or should that be light?) as Byrd is Audley Harrison... but even Harrison was able to hurt Williams when he sat down on the punches, something I can't imagine Byrd being able to do.

[The Wire]

I think Byrd is the lightest hitting heavyweight in history.

[TOPitBull]

Toney doesn't hit too hard either.

[The Wire]

Yeah but he hits harder than Byrd. I know it doesnt prove it beyond all doubt but he stopped Evander and Byrd went to points. Toney doesnt hit hard at all though

[LondonRingRules]

When are you poor boys understand that Toney ain't the man and ain't never held hold a legit heavy belt, but if he does manage to slide past Rahman, he'd be in the weak sister mix. Byrd may well be the weakest swatter of all the heavy champs in history, but Ruiz would have to be tied with him. Jimmy Ellis would be up there as well, and EzCharles was pretty puny at heavy.

[Guest]

When are you poor boys understand that Toney ain't the man and ain't never held hold a legit heavy belt, but if he does manage to slide past Rahman, he'd be in the weak sister mix. Byrd may well be the weakest swatter of all the heavy champs in history, but Ruiz would have to be tied with him. Jimmy Ellis would be up there as well, and EzCharles was pretty puny at heavy.

I disagree that Ruiz is as soft-hitting as Byrd... for a man who KD'd a (admittedly shot) Holyfield then his punching power is much underrated.

P4P Valuev seems to lack pop...

[welshwales]

Audley Harrison?

[BKM-]

Well, Buyrd yes. He's not a hard puncher.
Ko power means A LOT to me in a fighter. This is why i don't think Ali is the greatest.

[RAESAAD]

HMMMM...........I know he is not a contender but that cat who just upset McCline recently had only 1 KO in like 20 fights...LOL he may be considered a contender on someones bogus ranking system since he beat perrenial contender McCline.I have to agree with Byrd on this I suppose tho.

[Boxerdog]

I'd probably go with Jimmy Ellis. If anybody was ever "cuter" than Byrd, it was him.