| Klitschko dismisses Byrd in seven to take IBF HW title [message #993932] |
Sun, 23 April 2006 02:59 |
|
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=241832 0
Klitschko dismisses Byrd in seven to take IBF HW title
BERLIN, Germany -- Wladimir Klitschko stopped Chris Byrd in the
seventh round of a one-sided fight Saturday to gain the IBF
heavyweight title.
The Ukranian's right hook finished off the American 41 seconds into
the round, the second time Byrd was floored in the fight.
The knockout punch by Klitschko was the culmination of his lopsided
bout with Byrd.
The rematch was similar to their first encounter in October 2001. Byrd
also lost that bout, although he survived two knockdowns on his way to
losing a decision.
This time around Klitschko finished off Byrd early.
In the fifth round, Byrd climbed to his feet after being knocked down
then withstood a barrage of shots. He took a beating for more than a
minute until Klitschko backed off. Byrd waved his gloves at Klitschko,
telling his opponent to come at him.
"He's a fighter with a big, big heart," Klitschko said. "But he
provoked me."
The 35-year Byrd had made four successful defenses of the belt he won
from Evander Holyfield in 2002. He was the longest reigning of the
four heavyweight champions.
"I never hit him, not the way he hit me," Byrd said.
Byrd said he will have to decide if he wants to continue his career.
"I will talk to the wife," he said. "I enjoy this a lot, of course not
when you're pounded like that."
Klitschko (46-3, 41 KOs) has now resurrected his career. After being
knocked out by Corrie Sanders and Lamon Brewster, he started his
comeback by beating favored Nigerian Samuel Peter in October.
|
|
|
