Chris Byrd
Chris Byrd | |||||||||||||||
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Born | Christopher Cornelius Byrd August 15, 1970 Flint, Michigan, U.S. | ||||||||||||||
Other names | Rapid Fire | ||||||||||||||
Statistics | |||||||||||||||
Weight(s) | Heavyweight | ||||||||||||||
Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | ||||||||||||||
Reach | 74 in (188 cm) | ||||||||||||||
Stance | Southpaw | ||||||||||||||
Boxing record | |||||||||||||||
Total fights | 47 | ||||||||||||||
Wins | 41 | ||||||||||||||
Wins by KO | 22 | ||||||||||||||
Losses | 5 | ||||||||||||||
Draws | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Medal record
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Christopher Cornelius Byrd (born August 15, 1970) is an American former
As an amateur, Byrd represented the United States at the 1992 Summer Olympics and won a silver medal in the middleweight division. 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 (Joe Sr.)'s 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:
- Justin Crawford (Australia) won on points
- Joe Laryea (Ghana) won on points
- Igor Anashkin (Russia) won on points
- 1992 Qualified as a Middleweight at the Olympic Trials in Worcester, MA. Results were:
- Derrick James won on points
- William Joppy won on points
- Mike DeMoss won on points
- Eric Carr won on points, this bout was at the Olympic Box-Offs in Phoenix, AZ*
- Captured the Middleweight Silver Medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Results were:
- Mark Edwards (Great Britain) 21-3
- Alexander Lebziak(Russia/Unified Team) 16-7
- Ahmed Dine (Algeria) 21-2
- Chris Johnson (Canada) 17-3
- Ariel Hernandez (Cuba) 7-12
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
During the last week of March 2000, Byrd was offered the chance to be the replacement (for
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
Byrd returned to the U.S., signed with
2003–2005: four successful title defenses
Byrd has successfully defended the IBF belt against:
2006: Klitschko rematch
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
In 2010, Byrd officially announced his retirement from boxing.[4]
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.[5]
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.[6]
- Byrd also makes an appearance in the 2011 documentary Klitschko, in which he discusses his trio of title bouts with the brothers.[7]
Professional boxing record
47 fights | 41 wins | 5 losses |
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By knockout | 22 | 4 |
By decision | 19 | 1 |
Draws | 1 |
No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
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47 | Win | 41–5–1 | Matthias Sandow | TKO | 4 (8), 1:30 | Mar 21, 2009 | Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle, Stuttgart, Germany | |
46 | Loss | 40–5–1 | Shaun George | TKO | 9 (10), 2:42 | May 16, 2008 | Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | |
45 | Loss | 40–4–1 | Alexander Povetkin | TKO | 11 (12), 1:52 | Oct 27, 2007 | Messe, Erfurt, Germany | |
44 | Win | 40–3–1 | Paul Marinaccio | RTD | 7 (10), 0:01 | Apr 18, 2007 | Clifford Park, Nassau, Bahamas | |
43 | Loss | 39–3–1 | Wladimir Klitschko | TKO | 7 (12), 0:41 | Apr 22, 2006 | SAP Arena, Mannheim, Germany | Lost IBF heavyweight title; For vacant IBO heavyweight title |
42 | Win | 39–2–1 | DaVarryl Williamson | UD | 12 | Oct 1, 2005 | Events Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S. | Retained IBF heavyweight title |
41 | Win | 38–2–1 | Jameel McCline | SD | 12 | Nov 13, 2004
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Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | Retained IBF heavyweight title |
40 | Draw | 37–2–1 | Andrew Golota | SD | 12 | Apr 17, 2004 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | Retained IBF heavyweight title |
39 | Win | 37–2 | Fres Oquendo | UD | 12 | Sep 20, 2003 | Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, U.S. | Retained IBF heavyweight title |
38 | Win | 36–2 | Evander Holyfield | UD | 12 | Dec 14, 2002 | Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. | Won vacant IBF heavyweight title |
37 | Win | 35–2 | Jeff Pegues | TKO | 3 (10), 2:43 | Jun 8, 2002 | Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, U.S. | |
36 | Win | 34–2 | David Tua | UD | 12 | Aug 18, 2001 | Cox Pavilion, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. | Retained IBF–USBA heavyweight title |
35 | Win | 33–2 | Maurice Harris | UD | 12 | May 12, 2001
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New York City, New York , U.S.
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Won vacant IBF–USBA heavyweight title |
34 | Win | 32–2 | David Vedder | UD | 10 | Jan 19, 2001 | Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, U.S. | |
33 | Loss | 31–2 | Wladimir Klitschko | UD | 12 | Oct 14, 2000 | Kölnarena, Cologne , Germany
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Lost WBO heavyweight title |
32 | Win | 31–1 | Vitali Klitschko | RTD | 9 (12), 3:00 | Apr 1, 2000 | Estrel Hotel, Berlin, Germany | Won WBO heavyweight title
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31 | Win | 30–1 | David Washington | TKO | 10 (10) | Jan 19, 2000 | Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, U.S. | |
30 | Win | 29–1 | Val Smith | KO | 2 (10), 2:39 | Oct 22, 1999 | Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. | |
29 | Win | 28–1 | Jose Ribalta
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RTD | 3 (10), 3:00 | Jun 3, 1999 | Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mount Pleasant, Michigan , U.S.
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28 | Win | 27–1 | John Sargent | TKO | 2 (10), 2:03 | May 8, 1999 | Silver Star Casino, Philadelphia, Mississippi , U.S.
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27 | Loss | 26–1 | Ike Ibeabuchi | TKO | 5 (10), 2:59 | Mar 20, 1999 | Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, Washington , U.S.
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26 | Win | 26–0 | Ross Puritty | UD | 10 | Jul 14, 1998 | Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi , U.S.
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25 | Win | 25–0 | Eliecer Castillo | UD | 10 | May 30, 1998 | Bally's Park Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. | |
24 | Win | 24–0 | Derek Amos | TKO | 6 (10) | Mar 28, 1998 | Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. | |
23 | Win | 23–0 | Jimmy Thunder | TKO | 9 (10), 1:07 | Dec 13, 1997 | Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S. | |
22 | Win | 22–0 | Frankie Swindell | UD | 10 | Jun 20, 1997 | Bally's Park Place , Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
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21 | Win | 21–0 | Bert Cooper | UD | 10 | Mar 18, 1997 | IMA Sports Arena, Flint, Michigan, U.S. | |
20 | Win | 20–0 | Craig Petersen | TKO | 6 (10), 2:22 | Jan 28, 1997 | The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S. | |
19 | Win | 19–0 | Levi Billups | UD | 10 | Oct 8, 1996 | IMA Sports Arena, Flint, Michigan, U.S. | |
18 | Win | 18–0 | Uriah Grant | UD | 10 | Aug 6, 1996 | IMA Sports Arena, Flint, Michigan, U.S. | |
17 | Win | 17–0 | Biko Botowamungu | UD | 10 | May 17, 1996 | Stock Arena, Monroe, Michigan , U.S.
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16 | Win | 16–0 | Lionel Butler | TKO | 8 (10), 0:57 | Apr 23, 1996 | The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S. | |
15 | Win | 15–0 | Jeff Wooden | UD | 10 | Jan 30, 1996 | The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S. | |
14 | Win | 14–0 | Phil Jackson | UD | 12 | Nov 21, 1996 | The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S. | |
13 | Win | 13–0 | Nathaniel Fitch | KO | 7 (10) | Oct 3, 1995 | IMA Sports Arena, Flint, Michigan, U.S. | |
12 | Win | 12–0 | Tim Puller | TKO | 5 (10), 2:55 | Jul 18, 1995 | IMA Sports Arena, Flint, Michigan, U.S. | |
11 | Win | 11–0 | Arthur Williams | SD | 10 | May 23, 1995 | The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S. | |
10 | Win | 10–0 | Joel Humm | RTD | 4 (8) | Apr 26, 1995 | The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S. | |
9 | Win | 9–0 | Mike Rouse | TKO | 6 (12), 1:56 | Mar 28, 1995 | IMA Sports Arena, Flint, Michigan, U.S. | |
8 | Win | 8–0 | Frankie Hines | TKO | 2, 0:59 | Jan 1, 1995 | Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S. | |
7 | Win | 7–0 | Ron Gullette | TKO | 5 | Nov 1, 1994 | Flint, Michigan, U.S. | |
6 | Win | 6–0 | Waxxen Fikes | TKO | 4 (8), 2:49 | Oct 4, 1994 | The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S. | |
5 | Win | 5–0 | Max Key | KO | 1 | Aug 30, 1994 | Flint, Michigan, U.S. | |
4 | Win | 4–0 | Gerard O'Neal | TKO | 2 (6) | Jun 7, 1994 | Flint, Michigan, U.S. | |
3 | Win | 3–0 | Exum Speight | UD | 6 | Mar 22, 1994 | Flint, Michigan, U.S. | |
2 | Win | 2–0 | Mike Sullivan | TKO | 1 | May 15, 1993 | Flint, Michigan, U.S. | |
1 | Win | 1–0 | Gary Smith | UD | 6 | Jan 28, 1993 | IMA Sports Arena, Flint, Michigan , U.S.
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Television viewership
Germany
Date | Fight | Viewership (avg.) | Network | Source(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
April 1, 2000
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Vitali Klitschko vs. Chris Byrd | 9,790,000
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Sat.1 | [8] |
October 14, 2000
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Chris Byrd vs. Wladimir Klitschko | 9,390,000
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Sat.1 | [9] |
April 24, 2006
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Chris Byrd vs. Wladimir Klitschko II | 10,170,000
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Das Erste | [10] |
October 27, 2007
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Chris Byrd vs. Alexander Povetkin | 4,570,000
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Das Erste | [11] |
Total viewership | 33,920,000 |
US pay-per-view bouts
Date | Fight | Pay-per-view buys | Network | Source(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
April 17, 2004 | Chris Byrd vs. Andrew Golota | 75,000
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Spike TV /King Vision
|
[12][13] |
December 11, 2004 | Chris Byrd vs. Jameel McCline | 120,000
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HBO PPV
|
[14][12][15] |
Total sales | 195,000 |
See also
- List of heavyweight boxing champions
- List of IBF world champions
- List of WBO world champions
- List of southpaw stance boxers
References
- ^ "BoxRec's Annual Ratings: Heavyweight Annuals". BoxRec. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
- ^ Rafael, Dan (2004-05-12). "Where are the new heavyweights?". USA Today. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
- ^ "Archived copy". www.fightnews.com. Archived from the original on 20 May 2008. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Chris Byrd: Nobody beats Wladimir Klitschko right now". eastsideboxing.com. 4 June 2010. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
- ^ "Chris Byrd". YouTube. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
- ^ "Beyond the Ropes (Video 2008)". IMDb. 14 October 2008. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
- ^ Munch MaQuchi (21 October 2011). "Klitschko (2011)". IMDb. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
- ^ 9,79 Millionen sahen WM-Kampf von Vitali Klitschko: Beste SAT.1-Quote seit fast zwei Jahren (ger.)
- ^ Wladimir Klitschko is the new world champion (German)
- ^ More than 10 million viewers saw Klitschko fight (German)
- ^ Das Ertse and RTL show strong numbers Archived 2020-03-03 at the Wayback Machine (ger.)
- ^ a b Where are the new heavyweights? By Dan Rafael, USA TODAY
- ^ 2004-04-17 Chris Byrd vs Andrew Golota - IBF World Heavyweight Title
- ^ Chris Byrd vs Jameel Mccline HBO Pay Per View November 13, 2004
- ^ "Chicago Tribune". Chicago Tribune. 7 January 2005. Archived from the original on 2022-05-24.
External links
- Official website
- Boxing record for Chris Byrd from BoxRec (registration required)