Chris Byrd was a heavyweight boxer who had a solid amateur record, winning over 275 bouts, including victories at the 1989 US light-middleweight class, the 1991-92 US middleweight class, and winning the 1992 Canada Cup. Byrd turned professional in January 1993, winning his first 26 fights, and knocking out 10 of his first 13 opponents. In March 2000 Byrd fought Vitaly Klitschko for the WBO heavyweight title. For nine rounds Klitschko had his way, and Byrd trailed badly on all cards, but a shoulder injury in the ninth round caused Klitschko to abandon the bout and Byrd became WBO heavyweight champion. He lost that crown a few months later against Klitschko’s brother, Vladimir Klitschko.
Byrd then switched his allegiance to the IBF and in December 2002 fought Evander Holyfield for that heavyweight crown. Byrd won a unanimous decision to become the IBF heavyweight champion. In 2006 he lost again to Vladimir Klitschko, this time by TKO, to lose the IBF title. After that bout, Byrd lost over 40 pounds and then fought as a light-heavyweight for another year. Byrd ended his professional career in March 2009, ending with a record of 41 wins (22 by KO), 5 losses, and 1 draw.
United States