Byrd, Klitschko, & Kipling

[PBDS]

Prediction-wise, this is about the hardest fight to call I’ve ever encountered. Picking Wlad in a repeat performance is so easy it scares me. I believe in ebb and flow to life as much as any one man’s determination to reach a goal; there is a balance which can only be felt and not necessarily seen. Common sense surely points to Wlad. He’s younger while Chris is on the slide. He’s bigger, stronger, fast in his own right, and has experience that rivals Byrd’s. The thing that concerns me about the easiness of such a call is the “X-Factor? The X-Factor is that Chris has never been respected as a fighter and is getting old and knows people think he’s going to lose. Any fighter you meet has tremendous pride in their abilities, especially a world champion; and Chris is a belt holder with something to prove?.and he has to prove it against the man who pounded him for 12 rounds and dropped him twice when he was in his physical prime. How bad does Chris want the respect he’s always been denied? Remember, Chris could have probably had a very successful Light-heavyweight or Super Middleweight career; but chose to fight bigger stronger men?and has beaten all; but Wlad and Ibeabuchi?.that says something about his character. Also, we’ve seen Wlad quit against Purity and suffer a panic attack (my honest opinion) against Brewster, which was a high-pressure situation where the man he was beating on refused to submit.

While I will not officially pick an upset, I will say the stage is set for one; and I will not be surprised if Chirs Byrd puts on the performance of his career and dominates the last portion of the fight with counter-punching. There’s an eerie feeling about this one and while the vibes say Chris, the mind says Wladimir. No way would I bet on this one either way?.too much of an undercurrent.

....You do have a point and even though Byrd can't punch I will be on pins and needles. It's going to be weird to watch a fight at 5:00 in the afternoon on a Saturday too. Usually the kids are in bed and I can go into my bedroom and watch the fights and scream at the TV. 5:00 P.M. on a Saturday is our prime swimming in the pool time. I have half a mind to skip it live and watch it on the replay later that night. It's either going to be the rebirth of Wlad and he takes over like he was supposed to, or he freezes up and fails for the last time. I still say that I truly believe that Byrd is going out on his shield in this one. He may even miraculously hurt or seem to hurt Wlad at some point. In the end though Wlad is knocking him out and it "will not" go the distance. I can guarantee that it's going to be exciting.

[beez721]

True about Wlad dominating Byrd in his prime; but Chris fought different back then. Also, Wlad now has doubts about himself he didn't then. Back then his confidence was through the roof, since Sanders, not so. No, Chris doesn't have any power; but boxing is a thinking man's game so Chris winning a decision is conceivable. I've just got a weird vibe about this fight.

I agree about wlad,,,,but disagree about byrd. he's definitely slipped since 2000. he struggled mightily against oquendo...golota and mcline,,,in fact I had oquendo and golota ahead of him on the cards. those guys wouldnt have layed a glove on him 6 yrs ago. he was much better back then. quicker,,,better balance and more elusive

[beez721]

....You do have a point and even though Byrd can't punch I will be on pins and needles. It's going to be weird to watch a fight at 5:00 in the afternoon on a Saturday too. Usually the kids are in bed and I can go into my bedroom and watch the fights and scream at the TV. 5:00 P.M. on a Saturday is our prime swimming in the pool time. I have half a mind to skip it live and watch it on the replay later that night. It's either going to be the rebirth of Wlad and he takes over like he was supposed to, or he freezes up and fails for the last time. I still say that I truly believe that Byrd is going out on his shield in this one. He may even miraculously hurt or seem to hurt Wlad at some point. In the end though Wlad is knocking him out and it "will not" go the distance. I can guarantee that it's going to be exciting.

tell you this,,,if he losed to byrd,,,then its time for him to retire. it would be a huge embarrassment,,having such a huge size and strength advantage.he already dominated him 6 yrs ago,,so if he loses its proof hes damaged goods. this fight will show just how far if any wlad has slipped

[K-DOGG]

I agree about wlad,,,,but disagree about byrd. he's definitely slipped since 2000. he struggled mightily against oquendo...golota and mcline,,,in fact I had oquendo and golota ahead of him on the cards. those guys wouldnt have layed a glove on him 6 yrs ago. he was much better back then. quicker,,,better balance and more elusive

Can't argue with Byrd not being as elusive as he once was; but I feel that's more by design to give the fans their money's worth and try to be more exciting than his Pernell-esque early style was. People don't generally respect slick heavyweights. I really think he's gonna put it all together in this one and we're gonna see a little of the old Byrd and a little of the new; but he better put on the performance of his career to win, IMO. As an added reason for Chris to have a good chance for the upset, I think Wlad, as easily as he beat him 6 years ago, could be underestimating Byrd in this one. The possibility of Wlad being overconfident is great....once again, IMO.

[ejk22]

Personally, I think the fight is going to be more competitive than the last one. I think Wlad is too overconfident heading into this match and Byrd is approaching it like he has nothing to lose. If Byrd wins, I do not expect a KO or TKO but possibly an MD. If Wlad wins he will win by TKO.

[kayjay]

I don't know for sure who said what about the Byrd/Klitschko fight... but I know that Lenox Lewis said before the Rahman/Toney fight that Wladamir is the future of the HW division (something to that effect). Now if he's all of a sudden saying that Byrd will win, that's pretty double standard-ish.

as far as Byrd winning just on heart, skill and speed... possible, but even with the great defensive skills he has, all it takes is for Wlad to land a nice clean shot to stun Byrd and it can all be over in a flash. Wlad is offensively efficient, so to slip and dodge him for 12 whole rounds is a big order..

Didn't Lewis also predict that Williams would knock out Vitali? He is hardly an unprejudiced observer when it comes to heavyweight fights.

[BloodClot]

First off Lennox must not hate him too much..He did say recently that he thought Wlad would be the dominant heavy in the next few years and only said Chris will give him a harder time then ppl think...didnt actually say "Oh I think Byrd will win"

And lets just say what it is...All the black fighters are rooting for Byrd..I bet you couldnt find one white fighter out there that is picking Byrd to win.

[Pno]

Another thing that makes this fight so interesting and promising is the fact that it's quite unusual to have two gentlemen in the ring, both with class and respect.
Normally I find myself hoping that the guy who talks trash and is disrespectful get's KO'd in a devistating fashion. But this time it's different, no matter who wins, both fighters will be class acts, respectful of the performance and character of the other.

It's a fight where whoever wins, I don't necessarily mind. I'm a big Wlad fan, but if Byrd wins, he's a good kid who loves God and has much respect, a good boxing ambassador.

[K-DOGG]

I'm just glad these two are getting it on. With Rahman and Toney failing to produce a definitive heir to the throne and with Brewster falling back amidst the other contenders, Wlad and Chris are truly fighting for The World Heavyweight Championship, IMHO. It'll be good to have a clear leader again.

[BloodClot]

hmm what happened to my post?