By Ike Enwereuzor - Jacboxing.com

IBF heavyweight champion, Chris Byrd (37-2-1) 20KO's had a public workout at Kingsway Boxing Gym New York City to promote his upcoming title defense fight against No.1 mandatory challenger Jameel McCline on November 13 at Madison Square Garden, Live on pay-per-view.

Chris Byrd won his first world championship on April 1, 2000 against Vitali Klitschko in Berlin, Germany before lossing the WBO belt to younger brother Wladimir Klitschko six months later. In December 2002, Chris captured his second world title, this time the IBF belt against four-time world champion Evander "Real Deal" Holyfield now (38-7-2) 25KO's.

This fight against Jameel McCline will be Byrd's second fight this year, his first fight this year was his meeting against Andrew Golota April 2004 which ended in draw. Here's what the IBF heavyweight champion had to say.......

Ike: How long have you been training for this fight against Jameel McCline?

Byrd: We've been getting ready for 4 weeks now but Ike, you know I'm always in great shape. I don't need to burn myself out quick. We're ready for the war. I'm very strong and don't care what Jameel brings into the ring November 13, I can handle all.

Ike: What's your thoughts of Jameel McCline as a Boxer?

Byrd: Big Boy, 6 ft 7,  good boxer with great jabs. We have a perfect plan for him. We'll break him down slowly and frustration is the key. I don't think he can last long but I don't under estimate any boxer any more after the Andrew Golota fight. I under estimated Golota because I said he hasn't fought in long time. I'm not doing that any more I take every fighter serious. I don't think Jameel can match my skills.

Ike: How would you compare Jameel punching power to David Tua?

Byrd: Well, I never got hit by Jameel but I know David Tua hits very hard. I don't see Jameel hitting as hard as David but I can handle him.  Anyone will be scared to be hit by Tua but I handled him well. David Tua can punch and I was scared to get hit, he

got scarey power.

Ike: Please, tell us about your fight with Andrew Golota last April?

Byrd: It was a rough fight, we had no game plan because I thought he couldn't touch me since he was off for sometime but guess what I was wrong. I took Golota for granted and was just fighting but after few round in the ring I found out I was fighting a very good boxer. I learn a lot from that fight. Golota has been fight for long time and knows how to fight. A good fighter is always a good fighter. He gave Riddrick Bowe a lot of trouble.

Ike: Would you give Golota a rematch?

Byrd: If they make the fight I wouldn't mind, I'll fight anyone and the best out there but I have what they all want. I'm on a mission to unify the belts. I want fighters to worry about me more than I worry about them.

Ike: What's it like working with your father, Papa Joe?

Byrd: I have been with him since amateur, he taught me a lot. He's a slave driver, he makes me work very had, he doesn't want me in the ring out of shape. So, when I

fight, condition is never the question. My dad works me to dealth.

Ike: What's it like being the IBF heavyweight champion?

Byrd: It's great and beautiful but I feel the same as before. I love the sport and I struggled to get here and I'm not going anywhere soon. I want to unify all belts and I'm hungry like crazy.

Ike: Any predictions for your fight against Jameel McCline?

Byrd: I'm going to win, I'll not say I'll knock him out but if it comes I'll take it.

Ike: Tell us about your fight with Vitali Klitschko, do you see yourself fighting him again to determine who is the true heavyweight champion of the world?

Byrd: I beat him before I have tried to make him fight me so we can know who the true heavyweight champion is but I don't think he wants to fight me but I'm willing to fight anybody. I'm no worried about Klitschko anymore if he says he's the true champion lets put it on again I beat before so lets do it again "Vitali". We spoke to Don King many times about fighting Vitali Klitschko so if it happens it happens, my focus is on Jameel McCline now.

Ike: Any comments to your fans?

Byrd: I love my fans around the world. They will see the old Chris Byrd they use to watch growing up and Jameel has a lot to chew. I appreciate all that love me and those that hate me too. It will be a great show again at Madison Square Garden.

Ike: thanks for your time.

Byrd: You're welcome, Ike.

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