Chris Byrd facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chris Byrd
Statistics
Real name	Christopher Cornelius Byrd
Nickname(s)	Rapid Fire
Rated at	Heavyweight
Height	6 ft 1 in
Reach	74 in
Born	(1970-08-15) August 15, 1970 (age 54) Flint, Michigan, U.S.
Stance	Southpaw
Boxing record
Total fights	47
Wins	41
Wins by KO	22
Losses	5
Draws	1
Medal record Men's amateur boxing Representing  United States Olympic Games Silver 1992 Barcelona Middleweight

Christopher Cornelius Byrd, born on August 15, 1970, is an American former professional boxer. He competed from 1993 to 2009. Chris Byrd became a world champion twice in the heavyweight division.

He first won the WBO title in 2000. This was an exciting win against Vitali Klitschko. Later that year, he lost the title to Vitali's brother, Wladimir Klitschko. In 2002, Byrd won the IBF heavyweight title. He kept this title for four successful fights. He lost it again to Wladimir Klitschko in 2006.

Before turning professional, Chris Byrd was a great amateur boxer. He won a silver medal for the United States at the 1992 Summer Olympics. This was in the middleweight division. He also won three national amateur championships.

Growing Up: Chris Byrd's Early Life

Chris Byrd grew up in Flint, Michigan. He was the youngest of eight children. He started boxing at just 5 years old. His father, Joe Sr., trained him at the Joe Byrd Boxing Academy. His father continued to train and manage Chris throughout his professional career.

Amateur Boxing: A Strong Start

Byrd began competing in the boxing ring when he was 10. He had an amazing amateur record. He won 275 out of 285 fights! He was a three-time U.S. amateur champion. He won titles in 1989, 1991, and 1992.

In 1991, he was part of the U.S. National boxing Team. This team made history by tying against the famous Cuban team.

Olympic Glory: Barcelona 1992

Chris Byrd won a silver medal at the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics. He competed as a middleweight. He lost in the final match to Cuba's Ariel Hernández.

Amateur Achievements

• 1989 United States Amateur Light Middleweight Champion.
• 1991 United States Amateur Middleweight Champion.
• 1992 United States Amateur Middleweight Champion.
• 1992 Middleweight Gold Medalist at Canada Cup.
• 1992 Middleweight Silver Medalist at the Barcelona Olympic Games.

Professional Career: Becoming a Champion

Chris Byrd became a professional boxer on January 28, 1993. He won 10 of his first 13 fights by knockout. Early in his career, he moved up to the heavyweight division.

He stayed undefeated for his first 26 fights. He beat well-known boxers like Phil Jackson and Bert Cooper.

First World Title: Facing the Klitschkos

In March 2000, Chris Byrd got a big chance. He was asked to fight the undefeated champion Vitali Klitschko. This was for the WBO Heavyweight Title in Germany. Byrd had only seven days to get ready for this huge fight.

Even though he was behind on points, Byrd kept fighting. Vitali Klitschko hurt his shoulder during the fight. He could not continue after the ninth round. Chris Byrd won by technical knockout due to Klitschko's injury. This made him the WBO Heavyweight Champion!

Six months later, Byrd defended his title in Germany. He fought Wladimir Klitschko, Vitali's younger brother. Wladimir knocked Byrd down twice. Chris Byrd lost the fight and his WBO belt.

Second World Title: IBF Champion

After losing his title, Byrd returned to the U.S. He won against Maurice Harris to get the United States Boxing Association heavyweight belt. This made him a top contender for the IBF title.

On December 14, 2002, Chris Byrd fought Evander Holyfield. He won the fight by a unanimous decision. This made him the IBF heavyweight champion!

Defending the Title: Four Successful Fights

Chris Byrd successfully defended his IBF belt four times.

• In 2003, he beat Fres Oquendo.
• In 2004, he had an exciting draw with Andrew Golota. He also won a decision against his friend Jameel McCline.
• In 2005, he defeated DaVarryl Williamson.

Klitschko Rematch: Losing the Title

On April 22, 2006, Byrd fought Wladimir Klitschko again. This was his fifth defense of the IBF title. The fight took place in Germany. Wladimir Klitschko dominated the fight. Byrd was knocked down in the fifth and seventh rounds. The referee stopped the fight after the second knockdown. Chris Byrd lost his IBF title by TKO.

Later Career and Retirement

After losing to Alexander Povetkin, Byrd decided to move to a lighter weight class. He dropped about 40 pounds to fight in the light heavyweight division. He fought Shaun George in May 2008. George knocked Byrd down twice in the ninth round. The referee stopped the fight.

In 2010, Chris Byrd officially announced he was retiring from boxing.

Life Outside Boxing

Chris Byrd hosts a weekly video podcast called "Byrd's Eye View." On his show, he talks with former boxers and current champions.

More About Chris Byrd

• Chris Byrd's family is very involved in boxing. His brother Patrick Byrd and sister Tracy Byrd also trained in Flint, Michigan.
• His other sister, Laurie Byrd, is a professional basketball coach.
• Chris Byrd's Lamon Brewster is also a former world heavyweight champion.
• Chris Byrd's corner team during fights was always made up of his family members.
• He appeared in the 2008 documentary Beyond the Ropes.
• He also appeared in the 2011 documentary Klitschko. In it, he talks about his fights with the Klitschko brothers.

Professional Boxing Record

Television Viewership

Germany

US Pay-Per-View Fights

Images for kids

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  A robot for kids

See also

• List of heavyweight boxing champions
• List of IBF world champions
• List of WBO world champions
• List of southpaw stance boxers