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Scoop: Klitschko-Byrd II Preview
By Scoop Malinowski
Well, this is the big one. This is the moment Wladimir Klitschko has been waiting and waiting for. I believe he has matured and is ready to unleash his greatest performances now. While many ring watchers think Wladimir's two losses have irreparably damaged him, I actually believe the contrary - that those painful defeats have made him a stronger, wiser and a more determined force.
This fight with Chris Byrd can be tricky, even though their first fight was scored 120-106 by one judge. Byrd is like a cornered animal now. He has been pursued for over a year by Klitschko and finally the elusive IBF champion has been backed against a wall and has finally agreed to fight the predator. There is no more help from outside forces, such as whoever it was that manipulated the undeserving but politically connected DaVarryl Williamson into the mandatory position over Klitschko.
Byrd is going to fight - and fight with every ounce of every bit of skill, saavy, heart, experience and wile that he possesses. Byrd also has something to prove. I believe he was embarrassed by the widespread perception that he ducked Wladimir last year and that he ducked a rematch opportunity with Vitali last April in Madison Square Garden when Hasim Rahman pulled out over money disputes with Don King.
Byrd is going to lay it all on the line. He is a fine champion with many extraordinary qualities and I believe he will exhibit just why he was able to achieve so much in the sport of boxing on April 22nd in Germany.
But Wladimir Klitschko is just not going to be denied now. No man is going to distract him from accomplishing the mission. He has the aura of an unstoppable force..."Can't Stop" is the apt title of the thumping song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers to which he enters the ring.
Dr. Steelhammer has learned not to ever take an opponent lightly ever again. He will be prepared mentally and physically as best he can. Emanuel Steward will make certain of that. The awesome jab and hook and right hand will be a formidable attack which Byrd will have difficulty offsetting. Byrd can't outbox Klitschko and by choosing the smaller ring it appears the champion has already determined that fighting and brawling it out will be his best chance for victory. If Klitschko is not prepared to deal with a viciously desperate Byrd who will be fighting with emotion and adrenaline, this fight can become troublesome.
We all know there has been plenty of patient waiting through the the last 12 months for Chris Byrd to accept this match. Now the volcano is ready to erupt. Wladimir Klitschko has something he wants to prove as well. He is ready to show the world what he has devoted his life to accomplishing. He will become IBF Heavyweight champion on April 22nd.
