HOLYFIELD VS BYRD

end of a legendary career

Evander Holyfield is a Boxing legend. He’s a four time Heavyweight Champion whose best days are clearly behind him. He still says he wants to become the undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World before he leaves the sport. His body is chiseled, his heart is unquestionable but Father Time ignores no man, rendering his quest unrealistic at this point in time. Even having Don King as his promoter with all his slippery politics and eyebrow raising schemes, it’s just not likely to happen again for Evander. Besides, King owns most of the other Heavies out there too.

Hey, Evander’s had a storybook career, made tons of money and been an inspiration to Boxing fans worldwide. What more can you ask for?

After three wars with the sloppy John Ruiz, Holyfield’s age has become a big issue. After head-butting his way to victory over Hasim Rahman in June of 2002, it seemed like Evander still had enough left to go on as a fighter although not enough to win it all a fifth time. Five years ago I would’ve bet the world that Holyfield would beat Byrd. Today, I’d only bet the reverse. More

THE Pecking_byrd_is_what_the_judges heard

ATLANTIC, NJ (IB - December 14, 2002) – Well fans, the outcome of this fight offered few surprises in the way of strategies. Going into this bout, we all new that Byrd’s style was to be elusive and employ the pecking style of jabs and movement to off set the harder punching Evander Holyfield. This is exactly what happened as Chris “Rapid Fire” Byrd (36-2, 20 KOs) won a unanimous decision over the game challenge of Evander "The Real Deal" Holyfield (38-6-2, 25 KOs) and captured the IBF Heavyweight Championship belt. Two of the three judges at ringside scored the bout 117-111 and the 3rd judge scored it 116-112 all in favor of Chris Byrd.

This fight began with Holyfield trying to press the attack while Byrd set the stage with his pecking style of controlling the fight with his right jab. It was in the 3rd round that Byrd began to complain to the referee about Holyfield head butting him. More

byrd_is_the_worD - THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PRE-FIGHT INTERVIEW ONE ON ONE AND EXCLUSIVE

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? More

real_deal_meets_real_skill

ATLANTIC, NJ (IB - December 13, 2002) – On December 14th, live from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ, brought to you by Don King Productions, and televised on HBO, the former 4-time Heavyweight Champion Evander "The Real Deal" Holyfield (38-5-2, 25 KOs) will take on the IBF #1 contender Chris “Rapid Fire” Byrd (35-2, 20 KOs) for the vacant IBF Heavyweight crown.

This will be a show that you definitely do not want to miss. Another piece of Boxing History could be made on this night! Evander will be attempting to become the 1st 5-time Heavyweight Champion of the World. In order to accomplish this feat, he must find a way to mitigate the enormous boxing skills that are present in Byrd. Chris is a very elusive southpaw, who also possesses tremendous hand speed (Just ask David Tua). More

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH EVANDER HOLYFIELD IN PREPARATION FOR THE BYRD FIGHT

ATLANTIC, NJ (IB - December 12, 2002) – Its approximately 48 hours before Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield (38-5-2, 25 KOs) will take on Chris “Rapid Fire” Byrd (35-2, 20 KOs) for the vacant IBF Heavyweight Championship of the World. Most Heavyweights will only dream of being able to capture a piece of the Heavyweight crown once. Whereas, Evander will be making an attempt to obtain the Heavyweight crown for an unprecedented 5th time.

So I attended Holyfield’s Thursday night work out to get a first-hand look at this 40-year-old warrior. Evander tipped the scale earlier today at 220lbs while Byrd weighed in at 210lbs. Although this is the heaviest that Holyfield has ever weighed in, it is apparent, as usual, this Legendary Champion is in peak fitness and is ready to do battle. After the workout, Evander was gracious enough to sit down and grant Insideboxing this exclusive interview.

Ron: Its 48 hours before fight time with Byrd, tell us what is going through your mind Evander? More