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Boxing: Furious Friday Mail Bag
By Mike Samuels
12.07 - Why does Chris Byrd deserve a shot at Lennox Lewis before the man (Klitschko) that dominated him inside the ring? How can Lewis be considered a great champion when he hasn’t beaten anyone in their prime? Yeah, that Mike Samuels kid is a crazy cracker! This week’s FREAKIN FAT MAILBAG is here ladies and gentleman! Be careful when diving head first into this sucker, it could be dangerous!
DID HE REALLY LOSE?
Good article.
Have you watched the fist lately? If so, why do think Shane lost? I mean, do
You think he made some type of mistake? I'm curious about your opinion. Let me know...
- No name given
Yeah. Shane lost. I’m not saying that the head butt didn’t have something to do with his performance, but head butt or no head butt, Vernon Forrest was the better prepared fighter that night. The rematch should be very telling as to all of the theories that the millions of Sugar-maniacs have come up with.
LEWIS, PLEASE!
A peak Mike Tyson would have annulated Lewis correct? The Tyson we saw threw a handful of punches the whole fight. A peak Tyson would throw in one round the number of punches he threw in the whole fight. Do you not agree I agree with you if Tyson had carried on the same road with Kevin Rooney and not got mixed up with the crap that comes with boxing, he would have been the greatest ever beyond a shadow of a doubt. Better than Ali YES.
- Sandeep, England
PS: Lennox Lewis, please. He has got better with age, however he lost to Mercer, was given trouble by the peoples chump Bruno, drew at best the second fight to Holyfield, Cheated against Grant held his head and hit him repeatedly.
No. A peak Mike Tyson would not crush Lewis. The Tyson we saw on June 8th wasn’t the same Tyson that we saw destroying Michael Spinks, but what you see is what you get. Arguments are popular when it comes to if a prime Tyson would beat a prime Lewis, but there really isn’t much of a point in arguing something that can’t be proven. I give Tyson his props. Kid was one bad mofo in the eighties, but that’s where it stops. The main problem with Tyson fans is everyone loves to ride the "coulda-woulda-shoulda" clause. Yeah, Tyson should have been one of the greatest – but he isn’t. Muhammad is. Bottom line.
To not like Lennox Lewis is okay. Boxing is a sport that is big with opinions. But Lennox Lewis did not lose to Ray Mercer. It was a close fight but he pulled through. Watch it again. And even if you are heart-struck on saying Mercer won (and let’s say it was a blowout and he lost) you still have to get rid of that chip on your shoulder. Ten years from now when you look at the fight Lennox Lewis will have the W in his column. You might not agree, but don’t let strictly YOUR opinion ruin everything Lewis has done in his career.
COULD I BE BLIND?
Dear Sir,
Correction, Lennox didn't beat Holyfiled twice. First fight was a draw and I am not blind.
If you think I am blind, what about the second fight? If you think Lennox won the second fight, I think you might be blind.
There is definitely a need for a third one.
Why Boxing writers always degrade Evander Holyfield especially when compared to Lennox. What’s going on?
Thanks
- A Abraham
Recently I got my eyes checked and their fine. So I don’t think I’m blind. You might wanna get yours checked if you still think Holyfield won the second fight with Lewis. It was close, just as many fights in boxing are, but Lewis did enough to win. You know Abraham, the problem today is when a fighter loses a close fight people tend to think that boxing is fixed, or people think they have been ripped off. That’s hardly the case.
Nobody here degrades the Holyman. He’s a legend without a doubt. He just isn’t in the same as Lennox Lewis (Based on the two to zero score between the two of them inside the ring).
YELLOW LEWIS!
LEWIS is a yellow bellied coward who is afraid to fight klitschko because he will be beaten!
- No name given
No way, Charlie. Lewis doesn’t fear the Klitschko brothers. Just believe me when I say that. I’d love to see them fight, but it’s not up to me. Lewis isn’t yellow, though. Not by a long shot.
BYRD AIN’T NOTHIN!
How can Byrd be more deserving of a title shot than the fighter who beat him?
How can Lewis be considered the best heavyweight of the last 10-12 years when he was knocked out twice by fighters not considered among the ten best at the time? The difference between Lewis and the all-time greats is that the others always got up to fight on, usually winning. Also, Lewis gets too much credit for being awarded a decision over a 37 year old Holyfield and for stopping a near 36 year old inactive washed-up Tyson.
Hell, you might as well rank Jess Willard up there with Lewis as the two greatest big men ever. After all, Jess ko'd the great Jack Johnson. Wasn't Jess's fault big Jack was 37, right? And don't forget about Marciano's sterling victory over a 37 year old Louis, or Holmes's awesome win over a 38 year old Ali.
- No name given
Yeah, Klitschko beat Byrd. So what? One loss doesn’t mean you aren’t worthy. Going on that basis and one could say that Muhammad Ali would never be able to beat George Foreman, because Foreman destroyed Frazier without breaking a sweat. Let me break it down for you all once and for all (I’ve been asked this question at least ten different times).
Don King set up the tournament and Chris Byrd won it. He should get a shot at Lewis first. Look at the facts. Byrd was supposed to fight Lewis by April 21st but the courts (and the political measure of boxing) helped that fight not happen, and moved in on Tyson-Lewis instead. Byrd beat David Tua last August, fellas. He’s been a hell of a lot more patient than Klitschko. I’m not saying that Klitschko shouldn’t face Lewis – he should. But Byrd should get his shot first.
Lewis is an all time great. You make some good points when you say Lewis has beaten a lot of guys when they were older in their careers. Marciano’s win over an older Louis is a good point, but was it Rock’s fault he fought him that late on in his career? The same goes with Holmes. Everyone brings up his win over an older Ali, but no one ever mentions Ali’s win over a SUPER old Archie Moore with any negativity. Neither does anyone when a young and hungry Tyson trampled over a THIRTY-EIGHTY YEAR OLD LARRY HOLMES!! Get it?
LEWIS AMONG THAT OF ALI AND HOLMES?
Nice to read someone else appreciate how good Lennox Lewis is... Lewis at his best thinks of any fighters old or modern that would have beaten him? Compare weight skill etc!!! also think how many heavyweight with his type of ring generalship have u ever seen speed power combinations, 117 years of heavyweight history and most of the general public cannot see what they are looking at let alone those into boxing imagine these fights... Lewis v Louis, Lewis vs Ali, Lewis v Norton, Lewis v foreman, Lewis vs. Holmes one of the most intriguing, Lewis vs. Marciano would not even is considered, Lewis v bowe good fight maybe. Lewis v Frazier Lewis v jacks Johnson e could go on longer. im sure u see what im getting at one of the best ever but not getting credit fully for it by the way I rate Lewis and Larry Holmes together second only to Cassius clay but when he became Ali either Lewis or Holmes would have a very good chance of beating Ali ... Kenny Norton ..Frazier at the risk of going on Joe Louis did not have the skills to beat Lewis un less Lewis gave him a free no defense shot same with Marciano... do u remember Tim Witherspoon almost out boxing Larry Holmes also the very clever Michael Spinks even though Holmes won the 2nd fight ... long live the king we will do well to see the likes of Lewis ever again in our life time.. How long ago was Ali boxing... we have just witnessed greatness. Hope we never see king Lennox fighting in the ring again
- No name given
It’s good to see that you’re a fan of Lewis. I admit that he’s not my personal favorite, but I don’t hate on him for being a great champion. I can’t agree with you on placing Lewis just behind Ali and Holmes. Joe Louis, in my opinion, is second to Muhammad Ali (hell, they could flip-flop back and forth even and I wouldn’t complain) and Larry Holmes in definitely in the top ten. It’s a real shame that we couldn’t have the best of Louis’ era, the best of Ali’s era and the best of Lewis’ era square off in a tournament to see who the real KING of the RING would be. At least we can dream.
YOU KNOW BYRD GOT BEAT BY KLITSCHKO, RIGHT?
Jeez Mike, I could have sworn I saw Klitschko beat the living crap out of Chris
Byrd a couple years ago, shortly after Ibeabuchi knocked him stupid as well.
- No name given
I saw both those fights, too. Tell me, who did Ike lose to again? That’s what I thought. And I’m willing to bet everything that had Klitschko stepped into the ring with The Ikester he would have been destroyed as well. Byrd got beaten by both guys, so does that mean he isn’t worth the money this place pays me? I don’t think so. He’s not a legend, but he’s a decent fighter who might surprise you if he gets a shot at Lennox. Just wait.
LONG WINDED TITO SUPPORTER!
I can't help but comment on your remarks about Tito and his fans. Well, Tito fans. How can you desecrate the one person in boxing who rose to the challenge each and every time and one who also demanded to be challenged? Tito never ducked anyone, NEVER!!!! He did what no other fighter has ever done in the history of the sport. He took all who came and asked for more on his own. Oscar avoided him. I loved Oscar De La Hoya, but he ducked and made so many excuses when it came to fighting Trinidad (I do believe Oscar beat sweet pea, regardless of what anyone says) Sweet Pea, fucked around one to many times in the course of that fight and caused himself the loss. Oscar/Trinidad I thought at first, should have been a draw. I watch the fight again and again and I actually have Trinidad winning. I score my fights on Power and forward movement when there is a Puncher and a boxer. I can see how others would score it the other way based on tactic and movement (albeit backward movement) I can say with all honesty, if Oscar would have come forward in rounds 10 and 11 or even came close to a convincing exchange, I would have scored it for Oscar hands down. Remember what he did to Ike Quartey in the 12th round!!! He convincingly won that fight because he went forward in the all important championship rounds. Sorry for rambling but I want you to see my perspective on great fights and fighters.
Let's leave Tito and his fans in peace. Hopkins was the only fighter who truly defeated the greatest boxer of our time. I happen to think that was all hopkins had left. I do think a rematch would leave hopkins on the canvas early. If you ask me what went wrong, Titos corner failed him. Hopkins was tough as nails and well conditioned. Tito's father failed him. It's funny but put emanuell steward or one other capable person in that corner and training camp and it would have put tito over the top for that fight. Anyhow, no excuse, just my take on the only loss of this mans career. I thought Joppy was going to be the problem, not Hopkins. My answer for the rematch if there is any, bulk up hard and train the power punch, tito was heavy but not rock solid. He was rock solid for Fernando Vargas. That is how he needs to be for Hopkins. His left leg needs to duplicate the right leg movement, they have to nail that in order to beat a boxer like hopkins or delahoya. He leads forward and chases his opponents down with the right, it causes to much fatigue, if he begins to chase with the left foot the opponent is forced to scramble right where the over hand right or right hook would land and it's lights out, I can't believe trinidad's pop never worked that kink out.
Let's get back to my point. I love Roy Jones but god damn it, fight all comers, he would never. Oscar may win this fight, I believe they are bulking oscar to a true 154 boxer/puncher. If the fight would have gone as scheduled, Vargas would have demolished him. I am going to root for Vargas, I like him, even against trinidad I couldn't help but grit my teeth each time he gave my favorite boxer a powershot to the body. He too needs a well seasoned person in his corner, the boy could jab, but he makes those decisions on his own and that is never good. Your corner is supposed to know well before the fight which tactics need to surface in the course of a fight.
Tito took all comers and refused to wait like so many other boxers do to protect their legacies. His corner was exposed and the power wasn't there because the bulk wasn't there. I am 180 lbs. I used to be 248 lbs. I thought at 190 I was invincible (street fightin) but I am a solid 180 now instead of a swollen 190 lbs. There was an altercation with someone that broke a broomstick on my shoulder and stabbed me with the point of the broom stick in that same shoulder. I got one and only shot at him using maybe 40 percent of my power and he was out for the count. I am not a trouble maker, this is the first fight I had in the streets since two years ago. I decided to go on a diet december 2001 and by april I hit 184 lbs. At 248 I had trouble with a 175 lber. (two years ago) My punches connected but barely and I had no choice but to smother and squeeze the shit out of this guy. I was embarrassed and it took a little soul searching, watching lots of boxing tapes (roy jones, fernando vargas, Trinidad, delahoya, forrest, mosley, barrera/morales and lenox louis) Roy Jones is by far the best conditioned boxer of our time, I have never seen him look puffy or overweight. Forrest too. lenox had the size and not the bulk for rahman 1, look at the two fights and look at the conditioning of his body in both, you will see a difference. Tito didnt have the bulk for delahoya or hopkins. And these fights were at two different weights. Hoya wanted him at 147, Tito lost 7 lbs for this fight (maybe more cause he walks around heavy) but you lose muscle coming down or up in weight and you need to bulk up solid once at your desired weight. This carries your punch everytime. Nonetheless, I respect Trinidad and consider him to be the greatest boxer of our era and in the history of this sport. This man has danced with the devil and won. He missed his step and lost big but with tremendous heart and no help from his trusted corner which is ultimately his dad. No slaps in the face for the hopkins fight. No call for the overhand right. It looked like the same quiet corner that showed up for trinidad in delahoyas fight which many thought was a draw or a win for delahoya. My point, I know boxing, I know a failed corner or when someone is just flat out beat. I know fake when I see it and I know true determination and belief in what one does to achieve goals in this sport and brings honor to the sport each and every time they step into the ring. I commend morales/barrera, fernando vargas, Vernon forrest and felix trinidad. Remember we are talking about bringing fight to the fight and not dishonoring the sport while in the ring in this era. And fighters who will take all comers. I spit on Holyfield and tyson, if you have to ask me why then you are not a true boxing fan. I love Roy Jones Jr. but he leaves me too many questions. I have nothing to say about Felix. He is like Michael Jordan to me. He will come back and avenge his loss and damn near kill himself to do it and bring honor and excitement to this sport. If you ask me to measure great toe to toe bouts that could compare to the past era I would say mosley/delahoya or barrera morales 1 and hearns/leanord. Non stop to the end toe to toe, excellence.
Peace
David Anthony
Very nicely put, David. Now allow me to have my say. Felix "Tito" Trinidad is an all-time great. A lot of people have a bitter taste when it comes to him, but mostly because his fans are crazy. The country of Puerto Rico makes Trinidad out to be the greatest boxer the world has ever seen and that is not true. I find it frustrating that people let the whacky ways of Puerto Rican fans tarnish the shine Tito has brought on the sport. I agree that he hasn’t ducked anyone. That is what brought me to Trinidad. I found it courageous and great for the sport when he fought De la Hoya, then moved up to fight Reid (regardless of his inexperience) and if that wasn’t enough, he fought a tough and hungry warrior in Vargas. And if THAT wasn’t enough he fought the most legit middleweight in the world, in X. Hopkins had over a dozen defenses and hasn’t lost since he was out-pointed by Roy Jones (and who beats him anyway?), and I knew going into that fight that Hopkins could rain on Tito’s parade. And he did. It was hard to watch but afterwards I didn’t come unglued and scream to the high heavens about how overrated and worthless Tito was. And I sure as hell didn’t use the hand wrapping scheme as to why Tito lost. You have to realize, David that negativity is like a cancer – especially in boxing. Sadly, Tito, for all the great things he’s done, will be remembered for his loss against X and the hand wrapping hoopla.
I loved Trinidad’s style – always coming forward and bombing away. He showed that he was more diverse than many thought when he beat an older Whitaker, which is still tough as nails to do. The weight that you spoke about is a BIG factor in Trinidad’s career. Moving up is hard on your body and you lose strength. There isn’t much Trinidad can do to get it back, either. Hopkins is damn near a natural at his weight and in reality he fought a blow up middleweight in Trinidad. It’s no excuse. Hopkins doesn’t need excuses because he clearly stomped on Trinidad, but Tito never quit. He has heart just like Vargas, Barrera and Morales. That’s something you don’t see everyday.
I never thought much of Trinidad’s father as a trainer. Through out his career I just never liked his style. He was telling Trinidad that he was winning almost every round when X was slappin’ him around like Ike did Tina back in the day. I HIGHLY doubt Emanuel Steward would make Trinidad better. He’s been fighting one way his whole career – it’s been successful, but sometimes it has to end – and Manny wouldn’t be able to break Tito of his habits. And those are habits that guys like X and Roy Jones would expose Trinidad for having. But I don’t see Tito’s loss as such a bad apple. He fought everyone he wanted too and made no excuses. He lost to X, who has over fifteen title defenses at his weight. It’s not like Joe-Blow beat up Tito. So I definitely got respect for him and even his fans. It’s just that sometimes there is a bias with your hometown hero, and it’s clearly evident with Trinidad and his people. I see it first hand because whenever I’ve criticized Trinidad in the past his fans have attacked me as viciously as it is possible over a computer. But some of them aren’t all that bad, and even with some crazy fans, it doesn’t dull Tito’s legacy any. I promise you that.
TYSON ON CRACK?!!
i read your article and i agree with so many things you wrote.However, i've heard that Tyson was not really prepared for Lewis. I've heard that he was druged.what do you say about that?
- No name given
Whether or not Tyson was drugged means nothing anymore. Lewis dominated him and would any day of the week at this point in his career. If Tyson was so out of control that he needed drugs to keep him from messing things up before the fight, well, then he shouldn’t be boxing.
I MUST LOVE LENNOX!!
I rarely like to comment on a writers opinion because it dont do no good anyways but I just cant resist. You said some crazy stuff in you article about how great Lewis is. The best heavy of the 90's. Did you not watch Holyfield at all in the 90's? He fought way better competition and never got knocked out by one punch to a bum. As for Lewis beating Holy twice. I agree he won the first fight but he only got the decision in the second one because everyone thought he was robbed in the first one. Lewis could'nt even hurt Holy. As far as him stopping McCAll. Lets be real here. McCall quit. Lewis aint do nothin special. Lewis beat Mercer too huh. How bout hell no. That was highway robbery if I ever saw it. Lewis is the best heavy right now. Him beatin Tyson did'nt prove nothin. Holy did it twice and did it with alot more heart than Lewis. Lewis did the same thing Buster did. Nothing more. Lewis is not great to me, not because he dont have the skills or anything but because he dont have the competition out their. That's why I cant hate on him. I just aint gonna overrate him like you and so many others. If he dominated all his fights and had'nt lost then I would put him considerably higher. You talk about him fighting Grant, Golata, Tua and the past their primes Holy AND tYSON. Is that supposed to be impressive? It's not to me. Do I think he is scare of Wlad? Not so much as scared as he is smart. He aint no fool. I could see the look in Manny's face at the Mercer fight. Lewis dont want none of Wlad cause he know he could lose. As far as no one gave him angles. What did Chris Byrd do? He gives more angles than any heavy out their. He just aint had his chin tested yet. I think he will dominate McCline easily and to be honest Tua and a on his game Holy are the only 2 who have a shot to beat him besides Lewis. Lewis should fight him now while he is still green and not wait for him to get better. If he gets better than Lewis may just be in trouble. JMOP.
- N.G.
Okay. ENOUGH!! I’ve taken all the abuse I can handle! It’s time to lay the smack down writing style! Listen up, buddy. If you don’t like Lennox that’s your decision. I’m not his biggest fan but I can’t hate on the guy and say he has fought nobody. What you are suffering from is what a lot of boxing fans are – Era depression. That’s what I call it because everyone always has something to say about the competition of fighters. I’d love to see a prime Ali versus a prime Lewis. Everyone would love to see Lewis, Tyson, and Holyfield fight in the 1960’s – 1970’s. But it can’t happen. So when you judge how great a fighter is you have to judge your ideas on the fighters’ era. One era will never be as good as the next, but that doesn’t mean Lennox is a Buster Douglas. Hell no. Buster systematically destroyed Mike Tyson, and he did it more convincingly than anyone has – even Evander Holyfield in my opinion. But you can’t hate on someone because they didn’t beat a fighter like another one. That doesn’t take any greatness away from them. Lennox Lewis fought everyone in his era and beat them soundly. Sure, the Mercer fight was CLOSE but c’mon man, don’t cry over spilled milk. It’s not like Mercer dominated every round of the fight. Get REAL! I don’t even like Lennox Lewis’ style as a fighter or his arrogance and I love nothing more then to watch Hasim Rahman’s devastating right hand thump down on the champion in South Africa. But bro, I can’t let my dislike blind me from the facts and you shouldn’t either.
It’s understood that Lewis beat a past prime Tyson, but when he fought Holyfield the first time, Holyfield was considered one of the most dangerous fighters and not out of his prime just yet. Ask yourself this: If Lewis would have been destroyed by Holyfield, would you still consider him washed up? Lewis has done all that anyone could ask (except fight Klitschko, but it’s not something he NEEDS to do in order to be considered a great champion) and right now he’s relaxing. If he fights Klitschko – great, I’d love to see it. If he doesn’t – then I’m sure Klitschko will fight someone else and boxing will survive.
And yea, Byrd gave Klitschko angles, but it will be interesting to see what Klitschko can do when someone his own SIZE boxes with angles. I’m not counting Klitschko out because the kid can hit with the best of them. So only time will tell.
MY BAD, DAWG!
I BEGAN READING YOUR ARTICLE TILL I CAME ACROSS YOUR STATEMENT THAT LEWIS BEAT RIDDICK BOWE. LEWIS DUCKED RIDDICK HIS ENTIRE PROFESSIONAL CAREER AND WON THE TITLE WHEN BOWE RELINQUISHED IT. SO LEWIS NEVER REALY WON THE TITLE ORIGINALLY JUST INHERITED IT. HE DID BEAT BOWE IN THE OLYMPICS SO PLEASEGET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT. AND BY THE WAY WHEN HE WON HIS TITLE BACK FROM A MAN THAT KO HIM OUT COLD IT WAS BECAUSE OF MENTAL PROBLEMS AND HE NEVER PUT HIM OFF HIS FEET. SO DO YOUR HOME WORK BEFORE YOU WRITE ABOUT A SPORT YOU APPARENTLY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT. ALSO AREN'T YOU THE GUY WHO STATED IN HIS ARTICLE THAT MERCER HAD NEVER BEEN DOWN , EVANDER WAS THE FIRST MAN TO DO THAT, SO PLEASE READ UP BEFORE YOU DARE WRITE OF A SPORT YOU KNOW NOTHING OF.
PS
AND IF YOU THINK RIDDICK BOWE IS COWARD THEN YOU ARE TRULY AN IGNORANT SO CALLED WRITER, MAYBE LAZY BUT YELLOW HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT, IF YOU WOULDJUST LOOK AT HIS FIGHTS WITH EVANDER HOLYFIELD ,( BY THE WAY BOTH IN THEIR PRIME) THEN YOU WOULD KNOW HOW UNPROFESSIONAL AND IGNORANT YOU SOUND.
THANK YOU
You’re shooting strong, but missing. Did you watch as Riddick "Big Daddy" Bowe as he placed his championship title in the trash and walked away? You sound like you’re a frustrated Riddick Bowe fan, and that’s understandable because Bowe could have been something greater than he really was made out to be. Yes, Lewis beat Bowe in the Olympics (although controversially) but to say he DUCKED him as professional shows your ignorance for the subject. I saw the whole Bowe-Holyfield trilogy and I applauded Bowe for his efforts and for knocking out Evander. But that doesn’t change what he did to Lewis and how he degraded the meaning of "Champion" when he refused to face him. Don’t believe it? Check out his interview with his former manager last month and it should open your eyes a bit.
I’m glad you took the time to read my piece. Props to you! For the record, I never said Mercer had never been down (he was put to a knee by Holyfield), so please choose your accusations more carefully. Take care.
A YOUNG FAN NEEDING ADVICE
Alright I am 13 years old and just got in to boxing a couple months ago. I have seen I couple big fights and a couple lightweights and such (I really want to become a boxer especially after the boxing article in today’s paper 7/10/02 from the DAILY NEWS from Philly). But I saw the mercer fight with Klitschko and I love this guy. I think he would beat Lewis in a fight. He is stronger, and has a better reach and I don't have as much fighting experience as you but I think that if you have reach and power you will beat the guy. Ok that’s it and I don't like Tyson and I actually like Lewis a lot but I think Klitschko would beat him. I would really like to talk to you more so send me some mail at-cdogsmith12-pease do that for me. See you later.
Good luck with your boxing. It’s a brutal sport. Klitschko is very explosive and great for the young audience because his fights are mostly action packed (the same hasn’t always been able to be said when talking about Lewis). It’s too bad you have only seen the Tyson of the nineties, because if you like Klitschko’s power and speed, then Tyson of the eighties would take the cake. Take care.
DISCO PARTY IN THE RING?
If only Chris would stand and fight every now and then. I believe he would give us something to look forward to.
Fans don't want to see a dance contest we paid to see some action. If we wanted to see a dance contest we would go to the ballet. I'm sorry Chris feels that everyone is ducking him including the fans. Hey! Give us all chance you’re getting paid to fight. That why so many people loved to see Mike. Love Mike to not we would sell out.
I believe Chris will become champ of the world someday I also believe are not going to care when he fights. Hey, he' s still young maybe he can try something else before we all fall a sleep trying to watch 12 rounds of disco.
Appreciated boxing fan.
The Byrdman’s style isn’t popular. I agree. But boxing isn’t a popularity contest. Fighters like Byrd, Whitaker, Willy Pepp and even Lewis at times have been looked at differently because they don’t go for the kill (shoot, you could put Roy Jones down nowadays, too) and a lot of us want to see the wars that a lot of the lightweights bring us. Your view is very well thought out and I appreciate it, because I, too, believe that Byrd could become a champion some time. Hopefully I’m not sleeping when it happens.
Mike Samuels can be reached for comments at Tyson180@aol.com
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