Fight Alexander Povetkin W TKO 11 (12) Chris Byrd

2004 Olympic gold medalist Alexander Povetkin (14-0, 11 KOs) stopped former IBF and WBO heavyweight champion Chris Byrd (40-4-1, 21 KOs) in round eleven on Saturday at the Messehalle in Erfurt, Germany. The IBF heavyweight elimination bout ended when Byrd's corner threw in the towel with Byrd under heavy fire. Up to that point, it was a gutsy effort by Byrd who was seriously outgunned, especially when he got caught on the ropes read more ...

Alexander Povetkin vowed he was "full of respect" for Chris Byrd as the two heavyweights tuned up for their IBF eliminator in Erfurt on Saturday night. The 2004 Olympic gold medal winner today revealed how Byrd was among his boyhood idols but warned he won´t let it show in the ring. "I have the utmost of respect for Chris Byrd," Povetkin said at the official press conference. "He used to be one of my idols when I was younger read more ...

Four days ahead of their highly-anticipated IBF eliminator in Erfurt, Alexander Povetkin and Chris Byrd displayed their skills in public during Tuesdayґs official press work-out. The former IBF/WBO champion was the first man in the ring. Instructed by father and coach Joe, Byrd proved his mobility and speed. "I am in great shape," he vowed. "Iґve been through so many twelve-round fights in my career. My experience will help me." read more ...

How do you feel about the majority of the big name Russians postponing and pulling out of fights? Chris Byrd: "It's unfortunate because the fights that were being made were good match-ups. Klitschko pulls out and then Jameel is supposed to fight DaVarryl, then Maskaev pulls out and Jameel gets a shot at the title, so it worked out pretty good for him. read more ...

It appears that all four heavyweights have agreed to participate in the IBF's tournament to determine a mandatory challenger for their champion, Wladimir Klitschko. According to Dan Rafael, Calvin Brock (31-1, 23 KOs) will face Eddie Chambers (29-0, 16 KOs) in the main event of a ShoBox card on November 2. In the other bracket, Chris Byrd (40-3-1, 21 KOs) is close to a deal to face Olympic gold medalist Alexander Povetkin read more ...