Byrd: He deserves respect

TysonFan82 · 11-17-2004, 01:56 PM

I would first like to begin by saying that Chris Byrd should be commended for his great victory this past Saturday night. He displayed the heart of a true champion and put on a entertaining show. I also want to point out to all Byrd detractors that he is the best heavyweight in the division today. It was suggested on these forums that Byrd was not a top fighter and it was suggested we go by Ring Magazines rankings. Well I decided to check it out.

I found in my research that Ring concurs with me as they have Byrd as their number 1 contender. Thats right Ring magazine has Chris Byrd as Vitali's # 1 contender. And since Byrd has already demolished Klitchko it makes him the best fighter and the legitimate champion. Byrd is the man to beat and it seems that noone can.

I would like to invite all Byrd detractors who have discredited this great fighter to apologize on this website for your comments. I believe Byrd is the best defensive fighter in history of the heavyweight division. Never has a fighter brought such a complete show of defense to a match. Byrd in my opinion is the man and needs to be given his due.

Dave1877 · 11-17-2004, 02:28 PM

I feel Byrd is a brilliant defensive fighter and second only to Vitali in the division right now. Jameel was on top of his game and almost caused an upset but Byrd boxed well and looked good especially in the middle to late rounds. He is not exciting to watch in terms of raw power but in terms of boxing ability not many can touch him at the moment.

maxx · 11-17-2004, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TysonFan82

And since Byrd has already demolished Klitchko it makes him the best fighter and the legitimate champion. . . . I believe Byrd is the best defensive fighter in history of the heavyweight division. Never has a fighter brought such a complete show of defense to a match.

Personally, I've always liked Byrd since his amateur days. Could have stayed at Super-Middle after the Olympics & chose to tackle the big men instead despite most people at the time (myself included) saying he was absolutely nuts.

And, I believe Byrd deserves his due for how well he has performed even with some significant physical disadvantages. I mean, he made basically the same jump up in weight from the start of his career as Roy Jones did in going from middleweight to heavy (just much faster) & doesn't get the same kind of credit for winning a heavyweight belt.

But, in my opinion, he should get his due based on the reality of what he actually accomplished in the ring & not on exaggeration.

Byrd "demolished" Vitali? I don't think so. I've actually watched the fight. Byrd was losing badly until Vitali injured his shoulder & quit. Now, Byrd showed plenty of courage standing in there and taking the best from a man who was just too big and too strong . . . but no way was Byrd going to win that fight absent the injury.

Best defensive fighter ever? He's first rate . . . but he also got smacked around pretty good by Ike, Vitali & Wlad. Heck, even Fres Oquendo didn't have much trouble getting through Byrd's defense. Very good? . . . most definitely. The best? . . . I don't think so.

wildhawke11 · 11-17-2004, 03:21 PM

Best Defensive Fighter among the HWs.

I myself would have to give that right to Jack Johnson or Jim Corbett.
Gene Tunney a very good defensive fighter himself, at one time sparred with an old Corbett and was amazed at the skills even then that Corbett still had to offer.

Byrd is a pretty good defensive fighter but lets not get carried away here.

mh2365 · 11-17-2004, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TysonFan82

And since Byrd has already demolished Klitchko it makes him the best fighter and the legitimate champion. Byrd is the man to beat and it seems that noone can.

This statement right here makes me disregard everything you say in any post. Even the casual fight fan knows Byrd was losing that fight badly until Vitali quit in his corner.

erickdamac · 11-17-2004, 08:32 PM

MH Damn me and you was on a roll agreeing with each other lol!

But this time I must disagree with you Byrd was putting fire on klitsko ass the last three rounds Klitsko looked like he couldnt even breath the last round! Was he losing? yes but was klitsko beating his ass and then quit? no he was getting some good shots to the body, and wasnt doing much!

Byrd do need respect I think if he kept his hands up more and instead of clowning he could be one of the best defensive fighters of all time ( or in this era).

maxx · 11-17-2004, 11:18 PM

I'm not sure anyone has said that Vitali was beating Byrd's ass, but instead that Vitali was beating him badly on points . . . even with a torn rotator cuff.

Despite quitting, Vitali still fought 6 of 9 rounds with the injury and only lost 1 round to Byrd on one card and 2 rounds on the other cards. Down 5 to 7 points going into the 10th round (in Germany, no less), with his power shortage Byrd wasn't winning that fight . . . and by no means was he demolishing Vitali.

erickdamac · 11-17-2004, 11:25 PM

maxx we are not talking about the judges scorecards because they will be bias, If you seen the fight byrd was winning the last three rounds, And He fought with a torn rotator cuff from the sixed round so he fought three rounds with that injury, hell if hopkins can knock out Echols with one shoulder then I wont except any excuse from a undeafted heavyweight he should have had some pride.

maxx · 11-18-2004, 01:08 AM

The injury occurred in the third round when Byrd landed a shot on Vitali's upper arm. It was between the 3rd & the 4th rounds that Vitali first complained to his corner about the pain.

I've seen plenty of bad score cards coming out of Germany not to know that there have been bias problems, but I'm a Byrd fan much more than a Vitali fan and even I only gave him 2 rounds with one round even at the time of the stoppage. Even if Byrd had swept the last rounds he wasn't going to win the fight bias or no bias.

My point, though, isn't whether or not Byrd -- by some miracle -- could have pulled off a victory even if Vitali hadn't been injured. My point is that, at the time of the stoppage, I don't think anyone who had actually watched the fight could legitimately say that Byrd had "demolished" Vitali as the original poster stated.

As for the fact of Vitali quitting, personally I have no opinion on the matter because I don't know what kind of pain he was in. I've seen enough fighters tough it out with some damn painful injuries to think he should have been able to deal with it for a couple more rounds. At the same time, I've had enough bad injuries myself to know that I'm in no position to judge another person's pain threshhold.

erickdamac · 11-18-2004, 01:23 AM

Well As all the greats says a win is a win! And until Klitsko beat byrd byrd is number 1 and he is 2 i dont give a damn what hbo says!

Bam Bam · 11-18-2004, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mh2365

This statement right here makes me disregard everything you say in any post. Even the casual fight fan knows Byrd was losing that fight badly until Vitali quit in his corner.

word

Bam Bam · 11-18-2004, 02:03 AM

don't forget Byrd also lost Vlad Klitschko, he looked pretty bad...Vladimir turned out to be a bum

byRds terrible gimme a break

mh2365 · 11-18-2004, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erickdamac

MH Damn me and you was on a roll agreeing with each other lol!

But this time I must disagree with you Byrd was putting fire on klitsko ass the last three rounds Klitsko looked like he couldnt even breath the last round! Was he losing? yes but was klitsko beating his ass and then quit? no he was getting some good shots to the body, and wasnt doing much!

Byrd do need respect I think if he kept his hands up more and instead of clowning he could be one of the best defensive fighters of all time ( or in this era).

Yeah I knew the roll would end when the topic is Vitali, you seem to have some built in bias against him. We'll just disagree on this.

IceTea · 11-19-2004, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erickdamac

MH Damn me and you was on a roll agreeing with each other lol!

But this time I must disagree with you Byrd was putting fire on klitsko ass the last three rounds Klitsko looked like he couldnt even breath the last round! Was he losing? yes but was klitsko beating his ass and then quit? no he was getting some good shots to the body, and wasnt doing much!

Byrd do need respect I think if he kept his hands up more and instead of clowning he could be one of the best defensive fighters of all time ( or in this era).

I had to pull that tape out and watch it again. Vittli wans't tired. He just quit on the stool.

MJ

IceTea · 11-19-2004, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erickdamac

Well As all the greats says a win is a win! And until Klitsko beat byrd byrd is number 1 and he is 2 i dont give a damn what hbo says!

Vittli is #1, look at the ratings. If Zogby took a pole, Vittli would be 1, Ruiz 2.

MJ

IceTea · 11-19-2004, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erickdamac

Well As all the greats says a win is a win! And until Klitsko beat byrd byrd is number 1 and he is 2 i dont give a damn what hbo says!

Hey, while he is still active, you may want to go to www.everlast.com and pickup you Chris Byrd tee-shirt. They are on sale now for 9.99..............
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm, wonder what everlast thinks of him? Or maybe they are getting rid of the Byrd shirts to make space for the Vittli oversized t's

erickdamac · 11-19-2004, 01:32 AM

I dont care, he still defeated klitsko lol!

11-19-2004, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildhawke11

Best Defensive Fighter among the HWs.

I myself would have to give that right to Jack Johnson or Jim Corbett.
Gene Tunney a very good defensive fighter himself, at one time sparred with an old Corbett and was amazed at the skills even then that Corbett still had to offer.

Byrd is a pretty good defensive fighter but lets not get carried away here.

Not to mention Muhammad Ali, who would have demolished Byrd if they had met when both were in their prime.

Larry Holmes, another fine defensive fighter, would have mopped the floor with Byrd.

Byrd is the best defensive heavy today, there's no question about that. But to say he's the best of all time is laughable.

11-17-2004, 01:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
TysonFan82 Minors (Single A) Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: East Coast Posts: 95	Byrd: He deserves respect I would first like to begin by saying that Chris Byrd should be commended for his great victory this past Saturday night. He displayed the heart of a true champion and put on a entertaining show. I also want to point out to all Byrd detractors that he is the best heavyweight in the division today. It was suggested on these forums that Byrd was not a top fighter and it was suggested we go by Ring Magazines rankings. Well I decided to check it out. I found in my research that Ring concurs with me as they have Byrd as their number 1 contender. Thats right Ring magazine has Chris Byrd as Vitali's # 1 contender. And since Byrd has already demolished Klitchko it makes him the best fighter and the legitimate champion. Byrd is the man to beat and it seems that noone can. I would like to invite all Byrd detractors who have discredited this great fighter to apologize on this website for your comments. I believe Byrd is the best defensive fighter in history of the heavyweight division. Never has a fighter brought such a complete show of defense to a match. Byrd in my opinion is the man and needs to be given his due. __________________ MT

11-17-2004, 03:21 PM	#4 (permalink)
wildhawke11 All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: united kingdom Posts: 1,834	Best Defensive Fighter among the HWs. I myself would have to give that right to Jack Johnson or Jim Corbett. Gene Tunney a very good defensive fighter himself, at one time sparred with an old Corbett and was amazed at the skills even then that Corbett still had to offer. Byrd is a pretty good defensive fighter but lets not get carried away here. Last edited by wildhawke11 : 11-17-2004 at 03:26 PM.

11-18-2004, 02:03 AM	#12 (permalink)
Bam Bam All Star Reserve Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: New York Posts: 983	don't forget Byrd also lost Vlad Klitschko, he looked pretty bad...Vladimir turned out to be a bum byRds terrible gimme a break Last edited by Bam Bam : 11-18-2004 at 02:05 AM.

11-19-2004, 01:32 AM	#17 (permalink)
erickdamac All Star Starter Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,592	I dont care, he still defeated klitsko lol! Last edited by erickdamac : 11-19-2004 at 01:35 AM.

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11-17-2004, 02:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
Dave1877 Major Leagues Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: West Midlands, United Kingdom Posts: 488	I feel Byrd is a brilliant defensive fighter and second only to Vitali in the division right now. Jameel was on top of his game and almost caused an upset but Byrd boxed well and looked good especially in the middle to late rounds. He is not exciting to watch in terms of raw power but in terms of boxing ability not many can touch him at the moment.

11-17-2004, 08:32 PM	#6 (permalink)
erickdamac All Star Starter Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,592	MH Damn me and you was on a roll agreeing with each other lol! But this time I must disagree with you Byrd was putting fire on klitsko ass the last three rounds Klitsko looked like he couldnt even breath the last round! Was he losing? yes but was klitsko beating his ass and then quit? no he was getting some good shots to the body, and wasnt doing much! Byrd do need respect I think if he kept his hands up more and instead of clowning he could be one of the best defensive fighters of all time ( or in this era).

11-17-2004, 11:18 PM	#7 (permalink)
maxx All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 711	I'm not sure anyone has said that Vitali was beating Byrd's ass, but instead that Vitali was beating him badly on points . . . even with a torn rotator cuff. Despite quitting, Vitali still fought 6 of 9 rounds with the injury and only lost 1 round to Byrd on one card and 2 rounds on the other cards. Down 5 to 7 points going into the 10th round (in Germany, no less), with his power shortage Byrd wasn't winning that fight . . . and by no means was he demolishing Vitali.

11-17-2004, 11:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
erickdamac All Star Starter Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,592	maxx we are not talking about the judges scorecards because they will be bias, If you seen the fight byrd was winning the last three rounds, And He fought with a torn rotator cuff from the sixed round so he fought three rounds with that injury, hell if hopkins can knock out Echols with one shoulder then I wont except any excuse from a undeafted heavyweight he should have had some pride.

11-18-2004, 01:08 AM	#9 (permalink)
maxx All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 711	The injury occurred in the third round when Byrd landed a shot on Vitali's upper arm. It was between the 3rd & the 4th rounds that Vitali first complained to his corner about the pain. I've seen plenty of bad score cards coming out of Germany not to know that there have been bias problems, but I'm a Byrd fan much more than a Vitali fan and even I only gave him 2 rounds with one round even at the time of the stoppage. Even if Byrd had swept the last rounds he wasn't going to win the fight bias or no bias. My point, though, isn't whether or not Byrd -- by some miracle -- could have pulled off a victory even if Vitali hadn't been injured. My point is that, at the time of the stoppage, I don't think anyone who had actually watched the fight could legitimately say that Byrd had "demolished" Vitali as the original poster stated. As for the fact of Vitali quitting, personally I have no opinion on the matter because I don't know what kind of pain he was in. I've seen enough fighters tough it out with some damn painful injuries to think he should have been able to deal with it for a couple more rounds. At the same time, I've had enough bad injuries myself to know that I'm in no position to judge another person's pain threshhold.

11-18-2004, 01:23 AM	#10 (permalink)
erickdamac All Star Starter Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,592	Well As all the greats says a win is a win! And until Klitsko beat byrd byrd is number 1 and he is 2 i dont give a damn what hbo says!