Vitali Klitschko vs. Chris Byrd

Vitali Klitschko vs. Chris Byrd, was a professional boxing match contested on 1 April 2000 for the WBO Heavyweight Championship.[1]

Vitali Klitschko vs. Chris Byrd
Date1 April 2000
VenueEstrel Convention Center, in Neukoelln, Berlin, Germany
Title(s) on the lineWBO Heavyweight Championship
Tale of the tape
Boxer Vitali Klitschko Chris Byrd
Nickname "Dr. Ironfist" "Rapid Fire"
Hometown Kyiv Flint, Michigan
Pre-fight record 27–0 (27 KO) 30–1 (18 KO)
Height 6 ft 7 in (201 cm) 6 ft 1 12 in (187 cm)
Weight 244 14 lb (111 kg) 210 34 lb (96 kg)
Style Orthodox Southpaw
Recognition WBO
Heavyweight Champion
WBO
No. 10 Ranked Heavyweight
Result
Byrd defeated Klitschko via 9th round corner retirement

Background

After knocking out Herbie Hide to win the WBO belt, Vitali Klitschko had made two stoppage defences against Ed Mahone, and Obed Sullivan. He was ranked 7th in the world by Ring magazine. He had planned to face Donovan Ruddock, however, he pulled out due to a hepatitis infection and Chris Byrd (who had been training for a bout with Lawrence Clay-Bey) stepped in at 10 days notice to take the fight.

The fight

Klitschko controlled most of the fight with Byrd being elusive and making himself a difficult target. After 9 rounds Vitali had suffered a torn rotator cuff and despite being clearly ahead on the scorecards (88-83, 88-83, & 89-82) he retired on his stool handing the win to Byrd. Harold Lederman, HBO's unofficial judge, had Klitschko ahead 88-83 at the time of the stoppage.

Aftermath

Vitali's status as a rising star of the Heavyweight division took a knock after this with HBO commentator Larry Merchant said, "He doesn’t have the mentality of a champion. I can hardly believe what I just saw." Byrd's first defence in October was against the WBO's top contender, and Vitali younger brother Wladimir Klitschko, who avenged his brother loss with a clear decision victory. [2]

Broadcasting

Country Broadcaster
 United StatesHBO

References

Preceded by
vs. Obed Sullivan
Vitali Klitschko' bouts
1 April 2000
Succeeded by
vs. Timo Hoffmann
Preceded by
vs. David Washington
Chris Byrd's bouts
1 April 2000
Succeeded by
vs. Wladimir Klitschko
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