I fought Wladimir Klitschko twice, famously beat Evander Holyfield but 'Touch of Sleep' hit hardest with Deontay Wilder power

16/06/2024 09:00

Chris Byrd fought some heavyweight greats, but there is one he compares to modern powerhouse Deontay Wilder.

Byrd was part of the blue-riband division for 16 years from 1993 to 2009, and reigned as a two-time heavyweight champion during his notorious career.

During his fruitful stint in the squared circle, the American formed some great rivalries competing against Wladimir Klitschko twice losing in both 2000 and 2006.

He also famously outpointed boxing legend Evander Holyfield in 2002 to capture the IBF title.

Despite trading blows with some colossal punchers, Byrd admitted that it was DaVarryl Williamson who surprisingly packed the hardest punch.

He told The Ring in February 2020: "DaVarryl Williamson. He didn't hit me, but I know who had the best power. People are gonna say, 'Why DaVarryl?'

“He had a 'Touch of Sleep', he had Deontay Wilder-type power. If he had been 6-foot-7, he'd have been running things like Wilder.

“To the media, he's very underrated, but to the boxers, everybody knows if you get in the ring with him and he touches you, you're going to sleep."

Byrd was 35 years old when he came up against Williamson for the IBF title in October 2005, and he delivered a dominant display to capture the crown.

Despite controlling the contest, there were warning signs from his domestic rival that he certainly carried some power and he landed it on several occasions.

But Byrd was able to deliver like he had done so famously against Holyfield three years prior.

His rival was starting to age and deteriorate despite holding the title, and Byrd took his chance and capitalised on his vulnerabilities.

Holyfield was still formidable opposition, but was restricted by an injury to his left shoulder which he claimed saw him unable to throw a left hand.

‘Rapid Fire’ fared poorly against Klitschko in comparison, first losing on points in a tough outing at the turn of the century.

He chased revenge six years later, but it ended in brutal fashion being floored twice en route to a seventh round stoppage defeat.

Byrd was able to get one up on the Klitschko family however, beating his brother in 2000, forcing him to quit on his stool.

Despite mixed results, Byrd achieved it all in the ring and today reflects on his career positively after retiring with a stoppage win over Matthias Sandow in 2009.

He now hosts a podcast and helps grow and raise the profile of young fighters around the world.

Getting one up on Holyfield can be seen as a real achievement given the American became undisputed at both heavyweight and cruiserweight in his career.

The two-division king is ranked as one of the greatest to ever do it, hanging up his gloves in 2011.

He did return for a farcical exhibition against Vitor Belfort in 2021, which ended in disaster as he was knocked out in just the first round.

Klitschko was one of the most dominant fighters in the division in the modern era, and fought greats including the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

The Ukrainian is now permanently retired from the sport, but left a charming legacy alongside his brother Vitali.

Byrd’s former rivals have been helping the war efforts in their home country Ukraine after Russian invasion.

Klitschko still plays a pivotal role in boxing, and was seen supporting Oleksandr Usyk in his recent win over Fury to become undisputed champion.