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I Love The Heavyweights | Byrd v Klitschko
MON April 17, BUSTER PARIS - Here’s a statement that’s seldom heard and a sentiment not felt by most since Lennox Lewis hung ‘em up in 2003, but today I say to all of you– I love the Heavyweight division.
I love it for where it’s been and I love it for where it’s going.
The state of things today…well…I can’t decide which analogy works best – it’s either that the division is having a mid-life crisis or that it’s in the process of shedding its skin.
Hell, maybe it’s both, but either way you look at it change is in the air and right now, today - you, me and “him” – the next great Heavyweight Champion of the World - are watching the current Heavyweight division take shape and preparing to unify titles and to crown a true Champion.
The focal point of this next step is a fight between Chris Byrd (39 Wins – 20 by KO, 2 losses and 1 draw) and Wladimir Klitschko (45 Wins – 40 by KO and 3 losses). They are fighting for the IBF Heavyweight Title, the Vacant IBO Heavyweight Title - and for their chunk of the Heavyweight pie.
The bout is taking place in the SAP-Arena in Mannheim, Germany on April 22nd 2006 – don’t forget – if you’re in the USA the fight is being shown on HBO at 5:00 pm EST - 2:00 pm PST (and a replay again 5 hours later)
So that’s the set up - and those 2 belts are part of what’s at stake - and as always in boxing – there’s more to it than just the tale of the tape.
These two have faced each other before back in October of 2000. Klitschko pretty much dominated the fight and Byrd was even knocked down in rounds 9 and 11, but this was 6 years ago and both men were very different fighters then. Chris has slowed down a spell and Wladimir’s chin and stamina have constantly been called into question - BUT – both fighters have also had some amazing improvements.
For Byrd he’s a heavier puncher and harder hitting fighter now – and just because he’s slowed some doesn’t mean he’s slow – he’s still a fast flurrying fighter – probably the fastest hands of any Heavyweight fighting today.
For Klitschko he’s always had excellent technique and has always been a very proficient fighter, but now with the help and guidance of the great Emanuel Steward he’s got more “flavuh” to his performance. He’s not so “European” about his style and has added a lot of technically savvy skills to his repertoire and modus operandi. He fights smarter now – knows when to clinch, knows to tuck and protect his chin (hey, if it can’t get hit, then the question concerning it is moot) and he’s still got some of the heaviest hands in boxing – like 90% of all his wins are by knock out – that’s nothing to sneeze at.
We know that for their last two outings they both looked really good. Wladimir actually looked great in his last fight against the “Nigerian Nightmare” Samuel Peter (9.24.2005). Over and over again HBO keeps running a clip of that one brutal shot where he nailed and really wobbled Peter – it really is a cool moment of the fight – but THE most important thing was that Samuel Peter with his ginormous power didn’t knock Wlad out. (Klitschko won via unanimous decision)
For Byrd – his last bout against DaVarryl Williamson (10.01.2005) was a snore-fest (which he won), but before that in November of 2004 he had a great showing against Jameel “Big Time” McCline. It was a great fight and Chris was so damn fast and slickly mobile that it was beautiful to watch. He did go down in the 2nd round, but we are talking about Jameel McCline who is one strong hombre. Important things of note from this are that Chris can taste power and keep going and that he beat McCline – who is much bigger, stronger and taller (6 foot 6 – same as Klitschko)
Next – where are they ranked? – this is always my favorite part because I get somewhat dizzy with all the letters and numbers and illogic of it all, but let’s start with the rankings that actually stand to reason and in fact make sense - Ring Magazine and Boxing Digest:
Ring Magazine has Byrd ranked at #1 and Klitschko at #8
Boxing Digest has Chris ranked as its champion and Wladimir at #5
Now the always fun and oh so confusing alphabets:
The IBF has Chris Byrd as its Champion and Wladimir Klitschko as the #1 contender.
The IBO has Byrd ranked at #1 and Klitschko at #4
The WBO has Wlad ranked at #1 and there’s no sign of Chris in the top 10
The WBA has Klitschko at #2 and just like the WBO there’s no sign of Byrd in the top 10
The WBC – well…they have neither fighter in the top 10 – just fighters that have been beaten by them…makes sense right?
I’m actually excited about the Byrd and Klitschko fight – these two are so packed full of talent, skill and amazing ability that it’s going to be a very entertaining bout.
I love the Heavyweights and I think that this fight will help clarify the present situation and dilemma that we’re going through – this will help answer the question of who is the top dog.
Its funny – James Toney v Hasim Rahman was supposed to help pave the way to answer that question - and that bout was a draw, then Lamon Brewster v Sergei Liakhovich was supposed to be a no brainer and help us again to get closer to that top dog resolution – and that turned out to be a major upset with Liakhovich winning and adding yet another equation to the problem – now we have one more fight that’s supposed to add clarity, condense the field and actually give us something conclusive in terms of results – so you know something’s gotta go screwy.
HBO’s Larry Merchant had a great comment that since we have a Southpaw (Chris Byrd) fighting an Orthodox fighter that there will probably be a clash of heads and the fight will get stopped leaving us still with no answers and no direction.
Thanks Larry!
I think it’s going to be a fun and exciting fight. The first two or three rounds will be a major chess match and to some viewing it might seem somewhat boring, but keep watching – it will get better.
Both fighters are great at their craft and both truly need this win for more than just the “W” - they need it for their place in the divisions present and future.
I love the Heavyweights - yes – I love the Heavyweight division - I love it for where it’s been and I love it for where it’s going – it’s wide open right now and to be completely honest – and no disrespect meant towards Byrd and Klitschko or to all the other Heavyweights – but we’re all desperately waiting for “him” to show up - the next great Heavyweight Champion.
Could the next great Heavyweight be Jose Castaneda (debuting on April 21 2006) or what about Tommy Washington Jr. (1 win, 0 losses) or Bristol Marunde (1 win, 0 losses) will either of them be the next great Heavyweight?
Or – has he even had his first professional bout yet? Is he slamming away at a heavy bag right now, sweating, hurting, hungry and ready – or is he reading this article with you and knowingly nodding his head:
“It’s me – I’m him – I’m here”
I love that we don’t know and I’m excited to find out.
Buster Paris can be reached at: bparis@talkingboxing.com - and always enjoys receiving your thoughts, comments and questions
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