By Ross Enamait - RossBoxing.com
10.09 - Last week, Lennox Lewis elected to vacate his IBF heavyweight title. Lewis retains his WBC and IBO heavyweight belts while the IBF title will be contested between #1 contender Chris Byrd and a challenger to be named (likely Evander Holyfield). While I have often criticized the decisions made by the Lewis camp, I fully support their decision to vacate the IBF title.
Previously, I argued that Lewis appeared apprehensive to fight WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko. Wladimir is regarded by many as the most worthy challenger. Lewis had earlier stated that Wladimir was not worthy of a title shot despite his impressive stoppage over Ray Mercer. Lewis also hinted towards retirement which was perhaps his reason for originally shying away from a Klitschko battle of giants. In recent weeks however, Lennox Lewis has met with Don King and appears closer towards making the mega fight with Wladimir a reality.
For this reason, I agree wholeheartedly with Lennox’s decision to vacate the IBF. At age 37, Lennox is clearly on the last leg of his boxing career. With only a few fights left, his decision allows him to fight the most worthy opponents rather than the opponent that one sanctioning body says is ranked #1. I respect Chris Byrd and the impressive boxing ability he brings to the ring. Chris Byrd has continued to defy the critics with his ability to use speed to defeat power, such as his decision victory over David Tua.
Yet, despite these victories and his obvious boxing talent, Chris Byrd is not the most worthy challenger to Lennox Lewis. After all, despite what John Ruiz may believe, Lennox Lewis is the true heavyweight champion. As the true champion, it is his responsibility to afford only those most worthy a title fight. Wladimir Klitschko has already convincingly defeated Chris Byrd. For this reason, he should be next in line at a title shot. Regardless of what the IBF says, Klitschko has earned his right in the ring.
Chris Byrd is an excellent fighter capable of beating a high percentage of today’s heavyweights. Unfortunately for him, he had his shot at Wladimir and was completely outgunned. How then can anyone claim him to be most worthy to a shot at Lewis? Lewis is considered a precious commodity considering that his time in boxing is so limited. He has openly stated that he does not wish to box much longer. For this reason, Lennox Lewis owes it to the heavyweight division and the boxing fans to make his final bouts against the most worthy opposition.
Chris Byrd can call Lewis a coward all he wants but his voice does not travel far. He claims that he would make Lewis look foolish with his boxing skills. Does anyone truly believe that Lennox Lewis would face a major threat from Chris Byrd? Chris Byrd would be forced to move continuously to avoid the powerful jab and right hand of Lewis. Byrd would be unable to match power or jabs with the bigger, more gifted Lewis. Chris Byrd has historically had problems with tall heavyweights so what makes him think his luck would be any different against the 6’6” Lewis? Where does his confidence come from considering his one sided loss to fellow big man Wladimir Klitschko?
The only way for Chris Byrd to survive against Lennox Lewis would be to run and make a boring heavyweight fight out of it. Does anyone really want to see such a fight? Wouldn’t we all rather see Lewis match skills with fellow giant Wladimir Klitschko? Klitschko brings both speed and power to the ring. He is the only heavyweight today that can match both size and skills with Lennox Lewis. This is the great battle of giants that boxing fans have waited for. For once, Lewis will face a man with equal strength forcing him to rely on true boxing skills rather than sheer force alone.
Klitschko possesses an equally stinging jab and clubbing right hand. This is the match up that fans are entitled to. This is the match up that will tell the boxing public who is truly the legitimate heavyweight champion of the world. Let’s hope that Lennox’s decision to vacate the IBF is his first of many that lead towards a showdown with the true #1 contender Wladimir Klitschko.
As for Chris Byrd, I respect his talent and boxing ability. He deserves a big payday against the likes of Evander Holyfield or John Ruiz. Despite his lack of power, he is a credible fighter. He must realize however that when he lost to Wladimir Klitschko it put him at the back of the line for those worthy of a crack at Lennox Lewis. In this sport it must be about winner take all while the IBF rankings fall.
