04.10.05 – By Craig Parrish: This past Saturday night I had the great displeasure of watching another Chris Byrd “Title” defense. I have not been this bored or frustrated since the last outing of John “The Anaconda” Ruiz. The fight was soundly booed by the fans at ringside throughout. And as tentative as Byrd was, his opponent, DaVarryl Williamson was just as guilty. This fight was so tentative, so lackluster, that the Ref instructed the fighters to start mixing it up on several occasions. Now, I happen to agree with the ringside announcer who claimed that the Ref has no business telling fighters how they should fight. They are the guys out there who are risking their necks, although that was certainly not the case here. I did feel sympathy for the Ref, however, who probably felt that if he didn’t spur something he would soon be asleep, thereby forfeiting his paycheck.
I respect the fact that Byrd is a great “technician”, as he is slick and crafty. I respect the fact that he has come up from a much lower weight to win Heavyweight fights. He seems like a HELL of a nice guy as well, so it’s not easy to criticize him. But COME ON! If you want to be taken seriously as a Heavyweight Champ, you better get out there and throw some punches! Lamon Brewster doesn’t have nearly the skills of Byrd, but I respect him so much more as he is willing to fight. The same goes for James Toney, who in many ways is similar to Byrd but far more gutsy (no pun intended). When Toney says he will fight
anybody, anytime, anywhere, I believe him.
Byrd reportedly turned down millions in a Wladimir Klitschko rematch to “fight” Williamson. Although reports vary of why Byrd turned down the fight, it’s pretty clear he wants no part of Klitschko. What is left for him out there? Who is he going to fight next? Klitschko is his #1 contender, but that will be avoided as long as possible. Perhaps another Andrew Golota match? Ruiz? HOLYFIELD? It is becoming a lazy Susan of the same old tired matchups with the same old boring fighters.
Recently, Wladimir Klitschko surprised a lot of people by agreeing to fight Sam Peter, who many predicted was the next “Savior” of the Heavyweight division. Klitschko surprised even more people by winning the fight, given his china chin. This is what we need more of in this division. Step up Chris, or hang it up. And take Ruiz with you.