ATLANTIC, NJ (IB - December 13, 2002) – Its now one day before the fight between Evander “The Real
Deal”
Holyfield (38-5-2, 25 KOs) and Chris “Rapid Fire” Byrd (35-2, 20 KOs) for the
vacant IBF Heavyweight Championship of the World. Byrd concluded his final workout session today, which consisted of shadow boxing, and jumping rope to remain loose. Since talking to Holyfield on Thursday night, I wanted to hear Byrd’s side of the story, so here is the word from Byrd.
Ron: Here we are one-night before you go up against Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield, what is going through your mind Chris?
Chris: “Really nothing. I mean, I haven’t even thought about the fight much during the day, only at night when I sleep. I am so totally prepared for the fight that I just can’t wait to get into the ring. When the bell rings, its on.”
Ron: Lennox Lewis gave up the IBF belt rather than fight you. In your opinion, why is it that Heavyweights do not want to enter the ring against Chris Byrd?
Chris:
“Skills. I present different types of skills than normal heavyweights, and I am
very determined. I like fighting big guys and they know that. I may be a small
heavyweight but I’m willing to face any heavyweight in the world and I think a
lot of guys shy away from that because they know I am very determined to win and
they don’t want that L (lost) on their record”Ron: You know there are the critics out there that believe you are too elusive and would not be willing to square up and go toe-to-toe. What’s your response to this analysis?
Chris: “That’s style of boxing. Did Ali stand in there and trade with guys? They criticized him at first and he is the greatest of all time. He danced around. I don’t even dance, he flicked the jab, held fighters, etc. Then after he beat Frazier and Foreman, he got really admired by everyone. Hopefully in the long run, they will look back and say that I was out gunned in the majority of his fights by 20-30 lbs, he was not a true heavyweight, and yet he was willing to face anybody. After a while, they will admire the style.”
Ron: What will it feel like to get a victory over a legend such as Evander Holyfield?
Chris: “It will feel great. Evander has been a great Champion. He has been the perfect example of a heavyweight. Especially for me being a small heavyweight. I try to follow in his footsteps by fighting everybody, not being a huge puncher, and just mentally out think everybody too. To be fighting him now and get a win over him, would be just awesome! ”
Ron: By having the level of admiration you have for Evander, will that affect you in any way?
Chris: “I am in it to win. I think Evander and I are the same. We are both competitors, which is competition for me. I don’t care if it were my brother. If we get in the ring and box, I want to beat him. If we play basketball together, I want to beat him. I got to beat him because it’s my job. I got to hit him because this is a hurt sport. If I see the opportunity to knock him out, I have to go for it. I still love the brother”
Ron: Should you prevail, do you think the critics will be silenced?
Chris: “I am sure I will hear the critics say Evander is old and Byrd is really not a heavyweight. I really care less about what the critics say. I set out to be heavyweight Champion. This is my goal that I am about to accomplish and I care less about what everybody says. My personal goals are what is important to me.”
Ron: You have fought both of the Klitschko brothers. Tell us, how did that experience prepare you for what is about to happen tomorrow night?
Chris: “Man, fighting those guys prepared me to be able to fight anybody. Especially big heavyweights like them. Knowing that I am hanging in there with two big guys like that who are very experienced, it actually gave me even more confidence that I can fight anybody. Before that, I was willing to face everybody, but had never faced top-level guys like that. After that, I have the confidence to say, hey, my skills can be on the level with anybody in this division and I know I can beat them”
Ron: Did you watch the Michael Moorer vs Holyfield tapes to see how Holyfield fights southpaws?
Chris: “We’re totally two different style of boxers. I know before Michael Moorer fought David Tua, he tried to watch my tape of David Tua because he is a southpaw. Again, we’re two totally different styles and he got knocked out in 30 seconds. He is a flat-footed southpaw and I am a moving southpaw. So I couldn’t really pick up anything from the Moorer vs Holyfield tapes.”
Ron: Before we close, is there anything you would like to share with the fight fans that they don’t know about Chris Byrd today, but they will know about him tomorrow?
Chris: “What they will know tomorrow is that I will be the heavyweight champion of the world. I thank the fight fans that have been faithful and the ones that appreciate my style of boxing. I have a lot of fans that really appreciate my style of boxing and I have a lot of fans that hate it. There are no folks in the middle. I appreciate the fans that have been with me through my ups and downs and stayed with me by saying I will win the title someday. Hopefully I can do it for the fans tomorrow.”
Ron: Chris, I thank you for taking the time to talk with insideboxing.com and we wish you success and we can hardly wait to see you and Evander get it on!
Chris: “I can hardly wait. Thanks”
Again, be sure to tune in Saturday night 12/14 on HBO to see how this fight will unfold. It’s a Don King Production that is a sure bet to provide plenty of excitement!
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Ron Brashear can be contacted at brashear@insideboxing.com, ron@brasheargear.com