HOLYFIELD VS. BYRD: LET'S DO IT AGAIN!

By Ron Brashear
Inside Boxing Writer/Columnist

(IB-March 4, 2003) - InsideBoxing.com has learned that talks are going on between the Holyfield and Byrd camps in hopes of consummating a rematch fight.

While in Vegas this past weekend for the Ruiz vs. Jones bout, it was brought to my attention that talks were taking place for a Holyfield vs. Byrd rematch.  The current frontrunner for the location is Hotlanta (Atlanta, Georgia) and should take place sometime this year.  The rematch could take place as early as June.

If you recall, Chris Byrd won a very one-sided unanimous decision over the 4-time former Heavyweight champ Evander Holyfield in Atlantic City, NJ on December 14th of 2002.

Immediately upon returning to Atlanta after that fight, Holyfield underwent surgery to repair a damaged rotator cuff on his left shoulder.

Apparently the condition of Holyfield's shoulder hampered his ability to throw his thunderous left hooks, or even throwing his jab with any frequency. Holyfield only threw 37 jabs during the fight, and only landed 3, which is 8%. While you can not overlook Byrd's elusiveness and southpaw style having something to do with this low output, one would have to believe something wasn't right if Holyfield only averaged 3 jabs per round.

In speaking with Chris, he welcomes the challenge of giving Holyfield a rematch. "I will fight him anywhere. I would even fight him right here in this lobby. Since he indicated he hurt his shoulder, I want him at his best and if its in front of his home town crowd, I know he will bring his best."

Don King even referenced the possible rematch at the Ruiz/Jones post-fight press conference as well and mentioned that Chris Byrd wants a victory over a whole Holy, not a half Holy.

So given this, there is a strong likelihood this fight will happen. Although I couldn't predict that Holyfield would win the rematch, I do think its safe to say it will be a much more competitive fight than the first encounter.

You have to respect Chris Byrd's courage to even be thinking about going into Holyfield's back yard to try to beat him up.

Stay tuned as I'm sure you will hear more about this fight very soon.

You have just gone insideboxing.com

Ron Brashear can be contacted at brashear@insideboxing.com, ron@brasheargear.com