war of words: klitschko and byrd
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War of Words: Klitschko and Byrd
By Scoop Malinowski
Often you can get a sense of the mental state of a fighter before a major championship fight by what he says and how he answers reporters questions. You can feel if that fighter has a supreme unbreakable spirit and confidence and you sometimes can tell if they do not. And then there are some fighters who are mysteriously crafty, who disguise their desperation and intensity all the way until the fight starts.
So judge for yourself. Here are some of the more insightful comments made by Wladimir Klitschko and Chris Byrd during Wednesday's conference call from Germany, just three days before their important IBF Heavyweight rematch showdown on Saturday:
Wladimir Klitschko: "This fight is something important. I've done a lot of things to get the chance to be number one contender IBF. My opponent Chris Byrd after retirement of my brother, he's the real champ.
...I was looking for the fight for a very long time. Many things were going on. Fortunately it's fight week and the fight is here.
...Audience loves a champion's perfornance in the ring. If not good enough, you're out, simple as that.
...With all the criticism and questions you can only give answers to questions and criticism with performance.
(When asked if he's a better fighter from having gotten up and resumed his career after suffering knockdowns against Corrie Sanders, Lamon Brewster, DaVarryl Williamson and Samuel Peter)...I am complete fighter right now.
...You can not underestimate any fighter and everyone who weighs over 200 lbs. can punch.
...I remember when I fought Axel Schulz in Germany. He's from Germany. The fans were booing me on the way to the ring. After the third round everyone was cheering me. It's a matter of performance.
...On your way to the top, you always get critics. Criticism is a great motivation.
...Thank you very much for your attention. Enjoy the fight."
Chris Byrd: "I'm very excited about the fight. He's a very worthy opponent. This is a rematch, it's something I want to avenge. I feel he's the best guy in the division besides myself. I look for a great fight.
...The fans here are great. It's a great opportunity to fight Wladimir again. It's my first opportunity in a rematch in my professional career.
...I really wanted to fight the top guys but not allowed to due to certain circumstances.
...I'm more confident in my ability, more confident in my ability to fight bigger guys. I prayed about this fight, The Lord said, Just go and fight.
...If I get beat soundly, I'll take it like a man. If I win soundly, hopefully I get the decision.
...I can't sit back and let a six-foot-seven, 240 lb. guy pound on me from the outside. Hey, I come to fight.
...He has great punching power. He dropped me twice. He can punch, he's a big guy. If you get hit right, you're going to sleep. I've prepared well. I sparred with Duncan Dokiwari who hits harder than anyone I fought. I felt like I was in a car accident after every time I sparred with him. I fear no man's punching power.
...I know what kind of talent Wladimir Klitschko has. And I respect him a lot. I just go in and give it my all and put on a good show.
...If I win, I win. If I lose, I lose. So what?
...He has a great jab. He has a great arsenal of punches. Not only his jab but everything that comes with it. But the jab sets everything up. We're fully prepared for it. If I can execute it like I should, like I have in the gym, I should get passed it. We'll see.
...I'm ready for anything that comes about.
...I'm in great shape to go 12 hard rounds. I can't wait till the bell rings.
...Just box and let the cards fall where they may. Hopefully we can put on a great fight and may the best man win."
Re: war of words: klitschko and byrd
you are really into this fight aren't you
Re: war of words: klitschko and byrd
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Originally Posted by P.G.H Angel Eyes
you are really into this fight aren't you
;D yeah, ive gone a bit bonkers actually.
ive not been so up for a fight since calzaghe: lacy....i really think its gonna be a good one and to think im actually excited about a heavyweight bout...
wonders will never cease! :D
Re: war of words: klitschko and byrd
Quote:
Originally Posted by miles
www.boxinginsider.com
War of Words: Klitschko and Byrd
By Scoop Malinowski
I've prepared well. I sparred with Duncan Dokiwari who hits harder than anyone I fought. I felt like I was in a car accident after every time I sparred with him. I fear no man's punching power.
Great to hear that Duncan Dokiwari is still active. I thought maybe he had quit. I saw him against Dominick Guinn a few years ago.
http://images.usatoday.com/sports/bo...ari-inside.jpg
http://www.thellt.com/duncand.asp
He hasn't fought in around 18 months though so maybe he's just sparring now.
Re: war of words: klitschko and byrd
If Byrd wins. I hope he gets the decision.
Re: war of words: klitschko and byrd
If anything Wlad has got better at nullifying the inside fighter. Remind me what Byrd is better at... oh thats right everyone is talking about how he takes punches better now.. Its not really the winning x factor I'd be looking for in this style match up. ;D
Re: war of words: klitschko and byrd
i usually get REAL hyped for klitschko fights... i just dont see byrd having any chance whatsoever :D :D :D
Re: war of words: klitschko and byrd
If Byrd loses after 12, I hope he doesn't think he won and whine about bad calls and judges.........or chemicals on Wlads gloves for :jesus: sake!
Re: war of words: klitschko and byrd
IF Byrd wins he has right too. But if he loses he shouldn't complain.
Re: war of words: klitschko and byrd
May work in his favor to fight in Germany....that way if he gets his a** handed to him over 12 he can always blame it on the judges!
Re: war of words: klitschko and byrd
If I wanna watch a fight go 12 rounds I'll tune into some featherweights or middleweights. Hope Byrd gets slaughtered so he'll retire and rid us of that boring style. Then all Wlad has to do is knockout Toney and Valuev, then you've removed half the reasons people hate the heavyweight division.
Re: war of words: klitschko and byrd
"...If I get beat soundly, I'll take it like a man. If I win soundly, hopefully I get the decision. "
saadly this is exactly the case.. props to Byrd for knowing this and still fighting in Germany though.
Re: war of words: klitschko and byrd
How can you give props to someone who has the intention of going 12 rounds in every match than actually being a fighter and pursueing all avenues ??? And a heavyweight at that...
Re: war of words: klitschko and byrd
Klitschko by Ko in 8 or 9.
Re: war of words: klitschko and byrd
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If I win, I win. If I lose, I lose. So what?
With quotes like that Byrd really knows how to sell a fight and he sound full of confidence and enthusiasm ::**
Re: war of words: klitschko and byrd
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Originally Posted by raleights
How can you give props to someone who has the intention of going 12 rounds in every match than actually being a fighter and pursueing all avenues ??? And a heavyweight at that...
Boxing by rule of thumb is not the art of knocking a man out...it boils down to soundly out thinking & punching the other man across from you...the knockout is just a bonus.
Byrd is a great boxer...defensively & offensively.
That's how you can give props to a man for going 12 rounds. It's been that way for years.
Re: war of words: klitschko and byrd
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Originally Posted by wacko3205
Quote:
Originally Posted by raleights
How can you give props to someone who has the intention of going 12 rounds in every match than actually being a fighter and pursueing all avenues ??? And a heavyweight at that...
Boxing by rule of thumb is not the art of knocking a man out...it boils down to soundly out thinking & punching the other man across from you...the knockout is just a bonus.
Byrd is a great boxer...defensively & offensively.
That's how you can give props to a man for going 12 rounds. It's been that way for years.
CC... Thank god, you said it first... Dont know if i could have been that civil.
Re: war of words: klitschko and byrd
Quote:
Originally Posted by wacko3205
Quote:
Originally Posted by raleights
How can you give props to someone who has the intention of going 12 rounds in every match than actually being a fighter and pursueing all avenues ??? And a heavyweight at that...
Boxing by rule of thumb is not the art of knocking a man out...it boils down to soundly out thinking & punching the other man across from you...the knockout is just a bonus.
Byrd is a great boxer...defensively & offensively.
That's how you can give props to a man for going 12 rounds. It's been that way for years.
I know how it works and what Byrd's strengths are.. I'm just referring to the heavyweight division, the situation it's in, and how Byrd doesn't help it at all. You revitalize the heavyweights and boxing would be in much better form, but we have guys like Byrd that won't go away. Look at Brewsters/Liakhovich or Peter/Klitchsko - both when 12 rounds, both exciting. If Chris could do that I wouldn't complain but he's not only boring to the casual fan, but to the die hards as well.
