One More Run, One Division Lower

Chris Byrd who fought in the Olympics as a middleweight and became a Heavyweight in the professional ranks is going to make one last run at a title but in the Cruiserweight Division. Byrd who has never fought above 220lbs is going down in weight to what probably is his more natural weight. The Cruiserweight limit is 200lbs and Byrd has said he weighs 195lbs now. Never was Byrd a big puncher but he was a 2 time beltholder at Heavyweight. Byrd held the WBO Title for a short period in 2000 after Vitali Klitschko quit in their fight due to an injury. However about 6 months later Byrd was dominated by Wladmir Klitschko and lost the belt. In 2002 Byrd picked up the vacant IBF Heavyweight Belt against Evander Holyfield and kept it until 2006 when he once again bumped into Wladmir Klitschko. This time he was TKOd in the 7th round. In his almost 4 year reign as IBF Champion though Byrd made some decent defenses against Fres Oquendo, Andrew Golota, Jameel McCline, and DaVarryl Williamson. Byrd known for his slick crafty southpaw style is going down to Cruiserweight after losing 2 of his last 3 at Heavyweight both loses by KOs. The last KO loss came at the hands of Alexander Povetkin as part of the IBF Heavyweight Eliminator tournament. I wish Chris Byrd great luck at Cruiserweight. Although he never gets the respect he deserves as a fighter because of his lack of power and action I feel he brings a positive light to the sport with his class and respect.