Chris Byrd

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Template wrapper".Script error: No such module "Check for clobbered parameters".

Christopher Cornelius Byrd (born August 15, 1970) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1993 to 2009. He is a two-time world heavyweight champion, having first won the WBO title in 2000 after an upset corner stoppage over then-undefeated Vitali Klitschko. In his first title defense later that year, he lost to Vitali's brother Wladimir Klitschko. In 2002, Byrd defeated Evander Holyfield to win the IBF heavyweight title for his second reign as world champion. He made four successful defenses until losing his title again to Wladimir Klitschko in a 2006 rematch. He was ranked by BoxRec in the world's top 10 heavyweight from 1998 to 2004, reaching his highest ranking of No.3 in 2000.[1]

As an amateur, Byrd represented the United States at the 1992 Summer Olympics and won a silver medal in the middleweight division. His father Joe W Byrd was the coach for the Olympic boxing team, which also included future world champions Oscar De La Hoya and Vernon Forrest, amongst others.[2]

He is also a three-time national amateur champion, winning the light middleweight title in 1989, and the middleweight title in 1991 and 1992.

Early life

Chris Byrd was the youngest of eight children growing up in Flint, Michigan. He began boxing at age 5, training in his father's (Joe Sr.) Joe Byrd Boxing Academy. His father continued to train and manage Byrd as a professional. Byrd attended Flint Northwestern High School.

Amateur career

Byrd began competing in the ring at age 10, since then he had 285 amateur fights in various weight classes, compiled an impressive record of 275 wins, 10 losses. He was a three-time U.S. amateur champion (1989, 1991, and 1992). He was on the 1991 U.S. National boxing Team that became the first (and only) U.S. team to score a tie against the heralded Cuban team. Byrd won the silver medal in the 1992 Barcelona summer Olympics as a middleweight, losing to Cuba's Ariel Hernández in the final.

Amateur highlights

  • Lost in the 1988 Olympic Trials at Light Welterweight, losing to eventual United States representative Todd Foster.
  • 1989 United States Amateur Light Middleweight Champion
  • 1990 Goodwill Games in Seattle, lost to Torsten Schmitz (East Germany) on points, in Light Middleweight competition.
  • 1991 United States Amateur Middleweight Champion
  • 1991 World Championships, lost at Middlweight to Ramon Garbey (Cuba)
  • 1992 United States Amateur Middleweight Champion
  • 1992 Middleweight Gold Medalist at Canada Cup. Results were:
  • 1992 Qualified as a Middleweight at the Olympic Trials in Worcester, MA. Results were:
  • Captured the Middleweight Silver Medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Results were:

Professional career

1993–1998: early career

Byrd turned professional on January 28, 1993, knocking out 10 of his first 13 opponents. Byrd moved up to heavyweight three fights into his professional career.

Byrd remained undefeated for his first 26 fights, knocking off then-notable opponents like Phil Jackson, Lionel Butler, Uriah Grant, Bert Cooper, Craig Peterson, Frankie Swindell, Jimmy Thunder, undefeated Eliecer Castillo and Ross Puritty.

1999: Byrd vs. Ibeabuchi, comeback victories

However, in 1999, Byrd's undefeated record came to a dead end when he fought undefeated Ike Ibeabuchi. With 48 seconds left in the fifth round, a left-handed bolo punch followed with a right hook sent Byrd to the canvas, face first.

2000: first world title, facing the Klitschkos

Template:Main article During the last week of March 2000, Byrd was offered the chance to be the replacement (for Donovan Ruddock) against undefeated champion Vitali Klitschko in Berlin, Germany (Klitschko's adopted home country) for the WBO Heavyweight Title. He therefore had only seven days to prepare for the fight (not the customary 6–12 weeks). Byrd was trailing after nine rounds by scores of 88–83 (on two cards) and 89–82 (on one card), i.e. losing seven or eight of those rounds. However, Byrd was arguably Vitali's most difficult opponent as he landed clean shots and made him miss regularly, resulting Klitschko severely injured his shoulder and being unable to continue after the ninth round. The injury that Klitschko suffered was a torn shoulder rotator cuff, which required major surgery and a 7-month lay-off. Despite trailing on all three of the judges' scorecards, Byrd walked away the winner by a technical knockout due to the injury to Klitschko. Vitali landed at a much lower percentage and while he threw more, Byrd almost landed as many punches as him.

Six months later, Byrd was back in Germany to defend the title against Wladimir Klitschko, Vitali's younger, more agile brother. Twelve rounds later, Byrd had lost a lopsided unanimous decision and the WBO belt after being knocked down twice.

2001–2002: comeback victories, second world title

Template:Main article Byrd returned to the U.S., signed with Don King and beat Maurice Harris to win the United States Boxing Association heavyweight belt in Madison Square Garden. He was now a top-five contender for the IBF title. After winning his next match (a title defense against New Zealand's top contender David Tua) Byrd eventually received his mandatory shot at the vacant IBF world Heavyweight Championship against Evander Holyfield in Atlantic City. On December 14, 2002, Byrd won a unanimous decision and the IBF title.

2003–2005: four successful title defenses

Template:Main article Byrd has successfully defended the IBF belt against: Fres Oquendo in 2003, a highly entertaining draw with Andrew Golota and a decision win over friend Jameel McCline in 2004, and DaVarryl Williamson in 2005. Byrd's fight with Golota did 75,000 buys on pay-per-view.[3]

2006: Klitschko rematch

Template:Main article On April 22, 2006, Byrd faced Wladimir Klitschko for the second time. Byrd was making his fifth defense of his IBF title and the fight was also sanctioned by the International Boxing Organization for its title, which had been vacated upon the retirement of Lennox Lewis. The fight took place at SAP Arena in Mannheim, Germany. Byrd was heavily dominated throughout the fight, was down in the fifth, and again in the seventh. Referee Wayne Kelly stopped the fight after the second knockdown when Byrd had an open cut near his eyes. Klitschko won in a TKO.

2007–2010: Povetkin bout, move to light heavyweight, and retirement

After losing to Alexander Povetkin, Byrd would drop about 40 pounds to return to the light heavyweight division. He fought Shaun George on May 16, 2008, at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. Byrd was dropped by George in round one and rocked again in round two. George then hammered Byrd with his right hand at will, finally flooring Byrd twice in the ninth round. Byrd beat the count after the first knockdown, but was then battered down again and the bout was waved off by the referee.[4]

In 2010, Byrd officially announced his retirement from boxing.[5]

Life outside boxing

Byrd hosts a weekly video podcast, entitled "Byrd's Eye View", which showcases former boxers as well as current professional and champion-level fighters.[6]

Additional information

  • Byrd's hometown is Flint, Michigan, where he trained along with his brother Patrick Byrd and sister Tracy Byrd. Byrd's other sister, Laurie Byrd, is a professional basketball coach. Byrd is also a first cousin of Lamon Brewster, himself a former world heavyweight champion and two-time Klitschko opponent.
  • Byrd's corner consisted entirely of family members.
  • Byrd made an appearance in the 2008 documentary Beyond the Ropes.[7]
  • Byrd also makes an appearance in the 2011 documentary Klitschko, in which he discusses his trio of title bouts with the brothers.[8]

Professional boxing record

Template:BoxingRecordSummary

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
47 Win 41–5–1 Matthias Sandow TKO 4 (8), 1:30Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Mar 21, 2009 Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle, Stuttgart, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
46 Loss 40–5–1 Shaun George TKO 9 (10), 2:42Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". May 16, 2008 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
45 Loss 40–4–1 Alexander Povetkin TKO 11 (12), 1:52Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Oct 27, 2007 Messe, Erfurt, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
44 Win 40–3–1 Paul Marinaccio RTD 7 (10), 0:01Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Apr 18, 2007 Clifford Park, Nassau, BahamasScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
43 Loss 39–3–1 Wladimir Klitschko TKO 7 (12), 0:41Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Apr 22, 2006 SAP Arena, Mannheim, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Lost IBF heavyweight title;
For vacant IBO heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
42 Win 39–2–1 DaVarryl Williamson UD 12 Oct 1, 2005 Events Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained IBF heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
41 Win 38–2–1 Jameel McCline SD 12 Nov 13, 2004 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained IBF heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
40 Template:DrawDraw 37–2–1 Andrew Golota SD 12 Apr 17, 2004 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained IBF heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
39 Win 37–2 Fres Oquendo UD 12 Sep 20, 2003 Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained IBF heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
38 Win 36–2 Evander Holyfield UD 12 Dec 14, 2002 Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant IBF heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
37 Win 35–2 Jeff Pegues TKO 3 (10), 2:43Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jun 8, 2002 Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
36 Win 34–2 David Tua UD 12 Aug 18, 2001 Cox Pavilion, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained IBF–USBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
35 Win 33–2 Maurice Harris UD 12 May 12, 2001 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant IBF–USBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
34 Win 32–2 David Vedder UD 10 Jan 19, 2001 Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
33 Loss 31–2 Wladimir Klitschko UD 12 Oct 14, 2000 Kölnarena, Cologne, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Lost WBO heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
32 Win 31–1 Vitali Klitschko RTD 9 (12), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Apr 1, 2000 Estrel Hotel, Berlin, GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won WBO heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
31 Win 30–1 David Washington TKO 10 (10) Jan 19, 2000 Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
30 Win 29–1 Val Smith KO 2 (10), 2:39Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Oct 22, 1999 Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
29 Win 28–1 Jose Ribalta RTD 3 (10), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jun 3, 1999 Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
28 Win 27–1 John Sargent TKO 2 (10), 2:03Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". May 8, 1999 Silver Star Casino, Philadelphia, Mississippi, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
27 Loss 26–1 Ike Ibeabuchi TKO 5 (10), 2:59Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Mar 20, 1999 Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, Washington, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
26 Win 26–0 Ross Puritty UD 10 Jul 14, 1998 Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
25 Win 25–0 Eliecer Castillo UD 10 May 30, 1998 Bally's Park Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
24 Win 24–0 Derek Amos TKO 6 (10) Mar 28, 1998 Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
23 Win 23–0 Jimmy Thunder TKO 9 (10), 1:07Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Dec 13, 1997 Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
22 Win 22–0 Frankie Swindell UD 10 Jun 20, 1997 Bally's Park Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
21 Win 21–0 Bert Cooper UD 10 Mar 18, 1997 IMA Sports Arena, Flint, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
20 Win 20–0 Craig Petersen TKO 6 (10), 2:22Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jan 28, 1997 The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
19 Win 19–0 Levi Billups UD 10 Oct 8, 1996 IMA Sports Arena, Flint, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
18 Win 18–0 Uriah Grant UD 10 Aug 6, 1996 IMA Sports Arena, Flint, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
17 Win 17–0 Biko Botowamungu UD 10 May 17, 1996 Stock Arena, Monroe, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
16 Win 16–0 Lionel Butler TKO 8 (10), 0:57Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Apr 23, 1996 The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
15 Win 15–0 Jeff Wooden UD 10 Jan 30, 1996 The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
14 Win 14–0 Phil Jackson UD 12 Nov 21, 1996 The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
13 Win 13–0 Nathaniel Fitch KO 7 (10) Oct 3, 1995 IMA Sports Arena, Flint, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
12 Win 12–0 Tim Puller TKO 5 (10), 2:55Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jul 18, 1995 IMA Sports Arena, Flint, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
11 Win 11–0 Arthur Williams SD 10 May 23, 1995 The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
10 Win 10–0 Joel Humm RTD 4 (8) Apr 26, 1995 The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
9 Win 9–0 Mike Rouse TKO 6 (12), 1:56Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Mar 28, 1995 IMA Sports Arena, Flint, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
8 Win 8–0 Frankie Hines TKO 2, 0:59Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jan 1, 1995 Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
7 Win 7–0 Ron Gullette TKO 5 Nov 1, 1994 Flint, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
6 Win 6–0 Waxxen Fikes TKO 4 (8), 2:49Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Oct 4, 1994 The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
5 Win 5–0 Max Key KO 1 Aug 30, 1994 Flint, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
4 Win 4–0 Gerard O'Neal TKO 2 (6) Jun 7, 1994 Flint, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
3 Win 3–0 Exum Speight UD 6 Mar 22, 1994 Flint, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
2 Win 2–0 Mike Sullivan TKO 1 May 15, 1993 Flint, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
1 Win 1–0 Gary Smith UD 6 Jan 28, 1993 IMA Sports Arena, Flint, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Viewership

Germany

Date Fight Viewership (avg.) Network Source(s)
Template:Dts
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 		Vitali Klitschko vs. Chris Byrd
9,790,000
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 		Sat.1 [9]
Template:Dts
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 		Chris Byrd vs. Wladimir Klitschko
9,390,000
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 		Sat.1 [10]
Template:Dts
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 		Chris Byrd vs. Wladimir Klitschko II
10,170,000
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 		Das Erste [11]
Template:Dts
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 		Chris Byrd vs. Alexander Povetkin
4,570,000
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 		Das Erste [12]
Total viewership 33,920,000

US pay-per-view bouts

Date Fight Pay-per-view buys Network Source(s)
Template:Dts Chris Byrd vs. Andrew Golota
75,000
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 		Spike TV/King Vision [13][14]
Template:Dts Chris Byrd vs. Jameel McCline
120,000
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 		HBO PPV [15][13][16]
Total sales 195,000

See also

References

<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />

  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ 9,79 Millionen sahen WM-Kampf von Vitali Klitschko: Beste SAT.1-Quote seit fast zwei Jahren (ger.)
  10. ↑ Wladimir Klitschko is the new world champion (German)
  11. ↑ More than 10 million viewers saw Klitschko fight (German)
  12. ↑ Das Ertse and RTL show strong numbers Script error: No such module "webarchive". (ger.)
  13. ↑ a b Where are the new heavyweights? By Dan Rafael, USA TODAY
  14. ↑ 2004-04-17 Chris Byrd vs Andrew Golota - IBF World Heavyweight Title
  15. ↑ Chris Byrd vs Jameel Mccline HBO Pay Per View November 13, 2004
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

External links

  • Script error: No such module "Official website".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
  • Template:Boxrec
Template:S-textTemplate:S-break
Sporting positions

Template:S-text

Previous:
Frankie Liles 		U.S. light middleweight champion
1989 Template:S-ttl/check 		Next:
Paul Vaden
Previous:
Michael DeMoss 		U.S. middleweight champion
1991, 1992 Template:S-ttl/check 		Next:
Eric Wright
Vacant
Title last held by
David Tua 		IBF–USBA heavyweight champion
May 12, 2001 – December 14, 2002
Won world title Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Tye Fields

Template:S-text

Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check WBO heavyweight champion
April 1, 2000 – October 14, 2000 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Vacant
Title last held by
Lennox Lewis 		IBF heavyweight champion
December 14, 2002 – April 22, 2006 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by

Template:Footer USA Boxing 1992 Summer Olympics

Retrieved from "http://debianws.lexgopc.com/wiki143/index.php?title=Chris_Byrd&oldid=5606016"