Vitali Klitschko vs. Chris Byrd explained

Fight Name:Vitali Klitschko vs. Chris Byrd
Fight Date:1 April 2000
Location:Estrel Convention Center, Neukoelln, Berlin, Germany
Titles:WBO Heavyweight Championship
Fighter1: Vitali Klitschko
Nickname1:"Dr. Ironfist"
Hometown1:Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine
Record1:27–0 (27 KO)
Height1:6 ft 7 in
Weight1:244+1/4 lb
Style1:Orthodox
Recognition1:WBO
Heavyweight Champion
Fighter2: Chris Byrd
Nickname2:"Rapid Fire"
Hometown2:Flint, Michigan, US
Record2:30–1 (18 KO)
Height2:6 ft 1+1/2 in
Weight2:210+3/4 lb
Style2:Southpaw
Recognition2:WBO
No. 10 Ranked Heavyweight
Result:Byrd defeated Klitschko via 9th round corner retirement

Vitali Klitschko vs. Chris Byrd, was a professional boxing match contested on 1 April 2000 for the WBO Heavyweight Championship.[1]

Background

After knocking out Herbie Hide to win the WBO belt, Vitali Klitschko had made two stoppage defences against Ed Mahone, and Obed Sullivan. He was ranked 7th in the world by Ring magazine. He had planned to face Donovan Ruddock, however, he pulled out due to a hepatitis infection and Chris Byrd (who had been training for a bout with Lawrence Clay-Bey) stepped in at 10 days notice to take the fight.

The fight

Klitschko controlled most of the fight with Byrd being elusive and making himself a difficult target. After 9 rounds Vitali had suffered a torn rotator cuff and despite being clearly ahead on the scorecards (88-83, 88-83, & 89-82) he retired on his stool handing the win to Byrd. Harold Lederman, HBO's unofficial judge, had Klitschko ahead 88-83 at the time of the stoppage.[2]

Aftermath

Vitali's status as a rising star of the Heavyweight division took a knock after this with HBO commentator Larry Merchant saying, "He doesn’t have the mentality of a champion. I can hardly believe what I just saw." Byrd's first defence in October was against the WBO's top contender, and Vitali's younger brother Wladimir Klitschko, who avenged his brother's loss with a clear decision victory. [3]

Undercard

Confirmed bouts:[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Vitali Klitschko vs. Chris Byrd - BoxRec. boxrec.com.
  2. Web site: 01/04/2000: Vitali Klitschko (WBO) vs Chris Byrd . heavyweightheroes.wordpress.com . 13 March 2024 . 22 May 2019.
  3. Web site: April 1, 2000: Klitschko vs Byrd. thefightcity.com.
  4. Web site: BoxRec - event.