Klitschko Stops Byrd in Seventh

Chris Byrd has made many heavyweights look bad trying to hit him cleanly. Wladimir Klitschko, however, has had nothing but success in hitting Byrd cleanly during the 19 rounds they have spent in the ring together. The first time around - in October 2000 - Klitschko knocked Byrd down twice but the fight still went the distance. This time, Klitschko again sent Byrd to the canvas on two occasions but the referee called a halt to the action in the seventh round. Byrd's lack of power prevented him from ever being a factor in this bout but he showed a good chin and a lot heart before finally succumbing to Klitschko's accuracy and power. Klitschko deserves credit for resurrecting his career after two devastating knockout losses had him labeled by many as a glass-chinned pretender. Now, with four straight wins under his belt, Wladimir Klitschko may very well be the best heavyweight in the world. If nothing else, Klitschko's combination of size and punching power - not to mention a still-questionable chin - make him the most compelling figure on the heavyweight scene today.