Chris Byrd: A Chance To Soar

Mike Samuels

14.12 - The Chris Byrd story has been similar to that of the young bird of the nest - the one who isn't the strongest, the fastest, or the most popular among his brothers and sisters.

The one that has all odds against him, and the one who is fearless.

That's the best way to describe Chris Byrd and his surprisingly positive outlook after being shunned in the world of heavyweights and being treated like the Black Sheep of the family - a very controversial and confused one, at that.

Chris Byrd doesn't bring the most intense or exciting style to the ring, and that weighs heavily on the fans perspective to embrace him as a true heavyweight.

Byrd, who entered the Olympics at a sturdy 165lbs, is now reaching the peak of his heavyweight career. A year and a half ago he did the impossible and out-boxed the hardheaded David Tua, automatically giving him a shot at the IBF title that was previously held by Lennox Lewis.

With Lennox's decision to gain one million dollars in his back pocket without throwing a punch, the title was vacated, and this Saturday night Chris Byrd - who has been grounded for most of his career - will get the chance to soar above the lights, past the negativity, and into a legit champion.

One who's paid his dues, and is waiting to cash in.

The task at hand is no easy one. Byrd, whose only two defeats come at the hands of the destructive "President" and the Ukrainian monster, Vladimir Klitschko, has gone his entire career fighting the system and proving himself to be a better man night after night.

This Saturday he will stare into the eyes of, what some consider being the original badass to transfer his game from a light heavyweight to a heavyweight freight train, Evander "Real Deal" Holyfield. Holyfield may not be the young buck that once dominated the heavyweight division, but he's proven time and time again that when the odds are against him, he too - much like Byrd - can dig deep and find one last way to get past those who doubt him.

And one thing's for sure, The Real Deal has never doubted himself.

Chris Byrd is coming off an impressive decision victory over David Tua and a total dominating exhibition against a journeyman in June, while Holyfield is moving towards the IBF strap after winning a closely fought, and very strange win over Hasim Rahman.
Byrd feels that it his time to reign superior in the heavyweight division.

" I feel that I'm at the peak of my heavyweight career," explained Byrd earlier in the week. "It's my time."

Holyfield has had his time - and then some - and is looking to prove that heart and determination can overcome age in the world of boxing.

But Byrd seems to be holding regards for whole his career as a boxer on this one night. If he loses, all the momentum he has gained from getting a number one contender ranking in the IBF is forgotten, and he will no longer be able to pursue bigger and better fights in the heavyweight division.

As elusive and frustrating as he is in the ring, Byrd seems to have a strong and healthy head on his shoulders for this event. He has been cool, calm, collective, and very positive in speaking about Holyfield and his legacy as a fighter.

The ego that most would like to see present doesn't exist, and he is mature in understanding that he has everything to be thankful and nothing to be bitter about. Never mind the critics who constantly bash him for not "fighting like a heavyweight" or crying about not getting a proper shot at Lennox Lewis, who is considered by everyone to be the real champion of heavyweights. Also, forget those who have called Byrd's guts and will against both Klitschko brothers "nothing special."

To Chris Byrd, turning the other cheek for his whole career has been the idea.

Using his chance to soar on Saturday night is the perfect solution.

SAMUELS SMASH: Yeah, it's true that Evander Holyfield beat Hasim "The Has-been" Rahman, but what most observers forget to realize is, Rahman hasn't boxed to his strength - boxing and not brawling - since he was beaten controversially by David Tua. Instead of moving, sticking, bobbing, and throwing combinations, Rahman stood straight up and went toe to toe with Holyfield, who just happens to have made his heavyweight career out of fighting in that manner. I take nothing away from Evander - he won the fight, headbutt, no headbutt, "dirty tactics" or none, he won. But he was given the chance to fight his best fight, and I personally don't see Chris Byrd going in and fighting on the inside, making it as easy as possible (much like Rockhead did) to get knocked out and beaten. Byrd's going to use his craftiness to frustrate Holyfield, and he's going to stick to the outside and win a decision - unless, of course, Don King has anything to do with the scoring.

PREDICTION: Chris Byrd. 12 UD