BYRD-WILLIAMSONHeavyweight Championship Bout:Chris Byrd (IBF Champion) vs. DaVarryl Williamson “THE TRIPLE HEADER” October 1, 2005 Reno Events Center Reno, Nevada Referee: Vic Drakulich Ring announcer: Jimmy Lennon Jr.
Chris Byrd was coming off the longest layoff of his career, having been out of the ring for one month short of a year since his split decision victory over his friend Jameel McCline. Byrd was next set to take on another friend and former sparring partner, DaVarryl Williamson, who had fought his way into position to becoming the IBF’s mandatory contender. Despite losing to Wladimir Klitschko one year ago, Williamson had rebounded with some impressive wins. While Klitschko opted to take the IBF to court to argue his status as the rightful mandatory contender to Byrd’s title on the grounds that he had defeated Williamson by a technical decision , following a headbutt the previous year, Williamson fought the very next month after his loss to Klitschko, winning a unanimous decision over Oliver McCall. Williamson next knocked out Derrick Jefferson in April, a month in which Byrd found himself held out of the ring by politics when he refused to defend his championship against Klitschko in Germany. As a result, Byrd’s promoter Don King kept Byrd out of the ring by providing difficult negotiations for the IBF Champion, and Byrd missed an opportunity for a unification bout against WBA Champion James Toney. Toney was later stripped of his title for alleged steroid use, and the proposed bout with Byrd fell apart. Byrd now found himself pitted against Williamson as the undercard to a bout between Toney and Dominick Guinn. Should both Toney and Byrd win, they were expected to face one another in January. Byrd, who was upset with the reported $425,000 he was receiving for the bout, claiming a champion deserved a bigger paycheck, became further disgruntled when Don King failed to attend the fight.
Byrd paces with his head down, his hair back in dreadlocks, wearing a red shirt. Byrd raises his head and turns to look at the crowd. Byrd turns and hops. Byrd begins to look around, searching for someone in the crowd. Byrd bites his lip, his eyes wide. Williamson hops in a black robe with red trim and looks to the crowd. Byrd paces and exhales as Williamson turns and hops, looking at the crowd. Byrd pouts and sticks his tongue out as he looks around. Byrd throws punches with a stern look on his face as Williamson paces with his head down. Byrd hops and looks about as Williamson continues to pace. Williamson hops and wipes his nose. Byrd drops his head and puckers his lips as Williamson resumes pacing and throwing punches. Byrd bends over and reaches for his toes as Williamson throws punches. Williamson paces in a white shirt and black trunks with red trim. Williamson takes a drink while Byrd gets a wild look on his face as he throws punches. Byrd pouts and sways side to side. Williamson leans back and looks up at the crowd in the corner. Williamson inhales deeply, before turning away and taking another deep breath. Byrd holds his glove out and pouts. Williamson hops and paces, before having his shirt removed. Williamson adjusts his trunks as the crowd cheers. Williamson looks around a moment, before turning around in the corner. Williamson hops in the corner, facing his corner men on the ring apron. Williamson begins leaping up high while facing the corner. Williamson then lowers his head in the corner. Williamson raises his head and resumes hopping while facing the crowd. Williamson then turns around and hops, stopping to throw his gloves up. The crowd cheers as Williamson exhales and resumes hopping. Byrd has his shirt removed, revealing white trunks with red trim. Byrd drops his head, before turning around and wiping his nose. Byrd pouts and looks aside. Byrd looks down and wipes his nose again. Byrd throws a punch and turns, raising his head with a smirk on his face, before throwing another punch. Byrd hops a moment and looks up. Byrd sways and cringes, wiping his nose. Byrd sways side to side, waving his arms about and grinning oddly as he grits his teeth. Byrd leans aside, talking. Byrd looks down and flexes his pectorals, before patting his gloves together. Byrd throws punches and holds his glove up, drawing cheers. Byrd turns around to face the crowd with his hands on his hips. Byrd turns away from the crowd and gives a big nod as he seals his mouth shut. Byrd then paces with his head down. Byrd and Williamson drop their heads in the center of the ring. Byrd shrugs his shoulders, and both fighters nod with their heads down. Byrd offers his gloves, and Williamson slams his gloves down over Byrd’s, looking away as Byrd pulls away. Williamson hops back to his corner. Williamson drapes his gloves over the ropes in the corner and reaches over the ropes to the crowd. Byrd walks backwards out of the corner, tapping himself in the head with his gloves as he turns around. Byrd jogs along the ropes and looks to the crowd. Byrd then wipes his nose and taps himself in the head. Williamson has his head down as he walks aside. Williamson turns to look across the ring and hops. Williamson bows his head and pushes his gloves together. Byrd walks along the ropes, looking at Williamson now.
ROUND 1: Byrd pumps the jab and lands one to Williamson’s side as Williamson pulls back. Williamson sticks a jab to the side of Byrd’s head to get him off. Byrd begins blocking the jab with his glove. Byrd fakes a jab and sneaks a straight left hand to Williamson’s chest against the ropes. Williamson comes under Byrd’s jab to land a jab to Byrd’s side. The crowd grows restless as Byrd leads with the jab and lands a straight left to Williamson’s body, before ducking the counter jab. Byrd leads with the jab and swipes a straight left across Williamson’s body. The crowd grows restless as Williamson sticks a jab to Byrd’s body. Byrd leads with the jab and ducks a jab, before giving Williamson a body shot, but Williamson pulls off the left hand to follow. The crowd thunders with boos as Byrd goes for the jab, but Williamson fires a counter straight right hand over his shoulder as Byrd is leaning back to dodge. Byrd leads with the jab and swipes a left hand across Williamson’s body, before pulling off the counter right hand. Byrd blocks Williamson’s jab with his glove. Byrd turns aside and sticks his tongue out a moment. Byrd then leads with the jab and ducks Williamson’s jab, before giving him a body shot. Williamson manages to pull off a right-left combination to follow. Byrd sizes Williamson up and pulls off his jab. The bell rings, and Byrd casually turns and walks away. Williamson walks away and adjusts his trunks. Byrd saunters back to his corner as the crowd boos, and Williamson looks over the ropes. (10-9 Byrd)
ROUND 2: Williamson stands and adjusts his trunks as Byrd stands and looks down. Byrd blocks a jab with his glove and pulls off as Williamson sends a left hook into his glove. Williamson catches Byrd with a body shot as Byrd turns aside on the ropes. Williamson throws a right hand into Byrd’s glove, followed by a body shot from the other side as Byrd covers up on the ropes. Williamson body shots Byrd again as the crowd roars. Williamson overshoots a left hook and shoves Byrd into the ropes. Byrd rises up and pouts. The crowd boos as Byrd jabs Williamson’s body. Byrd begins pushing Williamson’s jab away with his glove. Byrd leads with the jab and throws a long straight left to the body that hits Williamson’s arm. Referee Vic Drakulich calls time and steps between the fighters. Drakulich calls the fighters together, and the crowd cheers as Williamson puts his hands on his hips. Byrd drops his gloves and leans over to listen as Drakulich tells them to mix it up more. Byrd nods as the crowd cheers. Byrd steps back and puckers his lips. Williamson catches Byrd with a straight right hand to the body. Drakulich warns Williamson to keep his punches up as both fighters hop. Williamson begins jabbing to Byrd’s glove, drawing boos from the restless crowd. Byrd pumps the jab through Williamson’s gloves, but Williamson pulls away to dodge. They trade jabs to the gloves as the crowd boos. Williamson sends a left hook into Byrd’s glove, but Byrd pulls off the straight right to follow. Byrd bounces back and leads with the jab, before sending a left hand across Williamson’s glove. Byrd jabs through Williamson’s gloves on the ropes and ducks a counter left hook, before grabbing Williamson around the waist. Byrd releases Williamson and throws a left hand into his glove, but Williamson counters with a left hook that lands on Byrd at the bell. Williamson adds a tapping straight right to Byrd’s chest as Byrd drops his glove and covers up with the other one. Drakulich steps between the fighters, and Williamson turns away, looking down as the crowd thunders with boos. Williamson stands in the corner, looking down and behind him. (10-9 Williamson)
ROUND 3: Williamson stands and adjusts his trunks. Williamson steps out, but Drakulich keeps the fighters separate. Byrd looks down and rubs his side. Byrd blocks Williamson’s jab with his glove. Williamson steps in and body shots Byrd, before throwing a right hand into his glove as Byrd covers up. Byrd jabs the side of Williamson’s head and ducks the straight right counter. Williamson then bats a left hook over the back of Byrd’s head as he rises. Williamson pushes Byrd’s head down and tries to lock his head up, but Byrd backs out as Drakulich stops and separates the fighters. The crowd boos as Byrd smacks Williamson with a jab across the face. Byrd jabs Williamson’s body and ducks the counter jab. Byrd pumps the jab and knocks Williamson’s glove away with a left hand. Williamson pushes his gloves together as Byrd turns back and pouts, shaking his head. Byrd goes for the jab, but Williamson comes over with a jab to the side of Byrd’s head. Williamson taps himself in the head. Byrd feints with his gloves up and waves his gloves as the crowd boos. Byrd jabs the side of Williamson’s head, but Williamson knocks his glove away with a left hook. Byrd leads with the jab and throws a straight left across Williamson’s body. Byrd rises up and catches Williamson with a short left hand, followed by a right hook over the top of the head. Byrd ducks the counter left hook from Williamson and grabs onto him. Williamson grabs Byrd around the head, and Byrd holds his arm out until Drakulich separates the fighters. Byrd pouts and looks to the crowd, before turning back to Williamson and hopping. Williamson jabs to Byrd’s glove but stops to duck a right hook and grab onto Byrd. Drakulich stops and separates the fighters, and Williamson wipes his nose as the crowd boos. Byrd wipes his nose while blocking Williamson’s jab with his glove. Williamson throws a body shot into Byrd’s arm as Byrd pulls back. The crowd boos as Byrd sends a right hook into Williamson’s glove against the ropes. Byrd waves his gloves at Williamson as he sizes him up against the ropes. Byrd dodges a jab and counter jabs Williamson’s chest. Williamson locks Byrd up under the arm and around the head, but Drakulich stops and separates the fighters. The bell rings, and Williamson walks away, adjusting his trunks. The crowd thunders with boos as Byrd spits over the ropes and saunters to his corner with his head down. (10-9 Byrd)
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ROUND 4: Williamson looks down and pulls his trunks up. Byrd holds his glove to his head as he walks out. Drakulich calls both fighters to him and tells them to mix it up again. Byrd nods as Williamson wipes his nose. Byrd then smirks and steps back as the crowd cheers. Byrd holds his glove to his head. Byrd blocks Williamson’s jab with his glove, but Williamson pulls off the counter straight left. Byrd wipes his face and blocks Williamson’s jab with his glove. Byrd catches Williamson with a jab to the face. The crowd boos as Byrd continues to catch Williamson’s jab with his glove. Williamson pulls off a jab and sends a left hook into Byrd’s arm, but Byrd ducks the straight right to follow. Williamson jabs through Byrd’s gloves just short of Byrd’s face. Byrd comes in with a straight left to Williamson’s body and ducks the counter jab. Williamson shoots the next jab into Byrd’s gloves as he covers up. The crowd boos as Byrd goes for a right hook, but Williamson sidesteps it and smacks a left hook over the back of Byrd’s head, before pulling off the counter left hand from Byrd. Byrd jabs Williamson’s side and pulls off the counter left hook. Williamson answers with a jab to Byrd’s body. Byrd responds by holding his gloves up and hopping, tilting his head to the side as the crowd thunders with boos. Williamson jabs Byrd’s body and knocks Byrd’s head back with a jab through the gloves. Byrd leans his head aside, his eyes wide, and rolls his neck as he turns to face Williamson, who jabs his body again. Byrd wraps his arm over Williamson, who grabs Byrd’s arm, but Byrd hits him with a left hand. Williamson turns away to dodge the next left hand, releasing Byrd and sending an uppercut into his glove, followed by a right hand to the glove as Byrd covers up. Byrd ducks a left hook and turns to face Williamson, who shoves him off. Byrd knocks Williamson’s head back with a jab through the gloves now. Byrd leads with his left and sends a right hook into Williamson’s glove as he covers on the ropes. Byrd stuffs a left hand through Williamson’s gloves and follows up with a right hook to the side of Williamson’s head as he covers up on the ropes. The crowd roars as Byrd ducks the counter right hand and grabs Williamson around the waist, who hits him with a right hand to the side of the head. Williamson holds Byrd’s arm and pats Byrd with another right hand to the side of the head, before Drakulich separates the fighters. Williamson goes for the jab, but Byrd comes under it with a jab to Williamson’s body. Williamson leads with the jab and throws a body shot into Byrd’s arm as he covers up. Byrd turns and counters with a left hand over Williamson’s glove to his face that backs Williamson up. Williamson sticks the jab through Byrd’s gloves and pulls off the counter jab. Williamson catches Byrd coming in with a jab to the side of the head, but Byrd answers with a jab to the body. The bell rings, and the crowd boos as Williamson walks away, looking down and adjusting his trunks. (10-9 Byrd)
ROUND 5: Williamson stands and adjusts his trunks. Byrd looks down and works his feet. Williamson looks across the ring and scrapes his feet. Williamson starts jabbing to Byrd’s gloves. Byrd goes for the jab, but Williamson counter jabs him. Byrd pulls off a pair of jabs through the gloves. Williamson jabs the top of Byrd’s head, but Byrd swats the next jab through the gloves. Byrd goes for the jab, but Williamson counter jabs him again and pulls off the counter straight left. Byrd dodges the next jab from Williamson and pouts as he hops with his gloves down. Byrd raises his gloves again to block Williamson’s jab. Byrd then freezes, before ducking low and knocking Williamson’s glove away with a left hand. Byrd then sneaks a jab to Williamson’s body and wipes his nose. Byrd pushes his glove into Williamson’s glove to keep Williamson from jabbing. Byrd pulls off a body shot attempt and turns back to Williamson with his gloves down as though he is bored. Williamson hits Byrd with a jab across the face and pulls off the counter jab, but Byrd catches him with a straight left to the body. Williamson throws a straight right just short of Byrd’s face, and Byrd grins at Williamson as the crowd roars. Williamson jabs through Byrd’s gloves. Byrd leads with the jab and sends a left hand across Williamson’s gloves against the ropes, followed by a body shot to Williamson from the other side. Williamson throws an uppercut into Byrd’s glove, followed by a left hook over the back of the head. Williamson holds Byrd’s head down and tries to stuff a right hand in. Williamson then turns and puts Byrd on the ropes with a right hand over the glove to the top of Byrd’s head. Byrd drops his gloves and goes for a jab, but Williamson comes under it with a body shot to Byrd on the ropes and a right hand over the shoulder as Byrd turns aside. The crowd continues booing as Williamson leads with the jab and sends a straight right into Byrd’s glove as Byrd covers up. Byrd comes under Williamson’s jab with a jab to the body. Byrd leads with a jab over Williamson’s jab and lands a straight left to Williamson’s body, before pulling off the counter jab. Byrd sends a left-right combination into Williamson’s gloves as Williamson covers up on the ropes. Byrd lands a straight left to Williamson’s body and follows with a right hook through the gloves across Williamson’s face that turns his head on the ropes. Williamson pulls off the left hand to follow as the crowd roars. Williamson continues jabbing to Byrd’s glove, and Byrd wipes his face as the crowd boos. Williamson pops Byrd with a jab through the gloves, but Byrd responds by saying something to him. Williamson begins to hop about, Byrd following him around. Byrd drops his glove and sways his arm, kicking his foot out as the crowd boos. Williamson wipes his mouth. Byrd leads with the jab, but Williamson pulls off the left hand through the gloves. Byrd lands a jab and a straight left to Williamson’s body, before ducking the counter right hand. Williamson goes for a left hook, but Byrd counters with a straight right hand across Williamson’s jaw that knocks his head straight back. The crowd roars as the bell rings, and Byrd throws his gloves out, touching gloves with Williamson as he walks past him. Williamson dips his head and adjusts his trunks as he departs, and the crowd resumes booing. (10-9 Byrd)
ROUND 6: Byrd looks down and wipes his nose. Byrd looks at his feet and wipes his face. Byrd blocks Williamson’s jab with his glove, but Williamson continues pumping the jab into his gloves. Williamson steps in and body shots Byrd. Williamson then knocks Byrd’s head back with a jab through the gloves and swipes a right hand across Byrd’s body. Drakulich orders the fighters to stop and steps in. Byrd lowers his gloves and nods, walking away as Drakulich warns Williamson to keep his punches up. The crowd boos as the fighters hit gloves on jab attempts. Williamson pulls off a straight right, but Byrd catches him with a straight left on the chest. The crowd begins chanting, “Fight” as Williamson pops Byrd with a pair of jabs through the gloves, to which Byrd responds by frowning. Williamson pushes his glove into Byrd’s glove to hold Byrd off. Byrd lands a right hook to the side of Williamson’s head and ducks the counter left hook. Williamson sends a right hand into Byrd’s glove and pushes his glove to Byrd’s head as Byrd covers up. Byrd leads with the jab and catches Williamson trying to grab him around the head with a body shot. Byrd grabs Williamson under the arms, and Williamson spreads his arms until Drakulich separates the fighters. The crowd boos as Byrd wipes his nose. Byrd goes for the jab, but Williamson counter jabs his face. Byrd catches Williamson low with a jab and turns away as Williamson jabs the back of his head. Byrd keeps his head down and draws back into the ropes, raising his head and grinning as the crowd boos. Williamson misses with a body shot and pins Byrd on the ropes, prompting Byrd to look to Drakulich with a frustrated expression on his face. Drakulich stops and separates the fighters. Byrd leads with the jab and lands a straight left to Williamson’s body. Williamson answers with a straight right into Byrd’s glove as he stutters to the side of Byrd. Byrd blocks a jab with his glove, but Williamson shoots another straight right into his glove. Byrd goes for the jab, but Williamson jabs him across the face to counter. Williamson goes for a right hand, but Byrd keeps coming, planting a straight left to Williamson’s chest. Byrd pulls off the counter jab, but Williamson tags him with a straight right, followed by a body shot to Byrd’s back from the other side. Byrd ducks the next straight right and grabs Williamson around the waist. Williamson locks Byrd’s arms up until Drakulich separates the fighters, and the crowd boos. Williamson tags Byrd with a pair of jabs to the side of the head. Byrd leads with the jab and ducks the counter jab to land a straight left to Williamson’s body. Williamson grabs Byrd around the head, but Byrd cracks him with a left hand to the jaw that rattles Williamson’s head. Williamson grabs Byrd’s arm, but Byrd gives him a pair of body shots. Williamson answers with a body shot to Byrd’s arm and a body shot to Byrd as Byrd stuffs him with a left hand. Williamson bashes a right hand into the side of Byrd’s head while walking him back, but Drakulich stops and separates the fighters. Byrd turns his head aside, his mouth open and his eyes wide as the crowd boos loudly. Williamson misses with a left hook as Byrd comes in and body shots him against the ropes. Byrd’s arm hangs over the ropes as he starts to come after Williamson, who overshoots a left hook and grabs Byrd around the head. Byrd gives Williamson a pair of body shots, followed by a left hand to the arm, and Williamson grabs his arm to stop him, but Byrd body shots him again. Williamson goes for an uppercut, but Byrd sends a right hook across his arm that knocks Williamson sideways and away. The bell rings, and Williamson walks away, adjusting his trunks as the crowd thunders with boos. (10-9 Byrd)
ROUND 7: Williamson drops his head and adjusts his trunks. Byrd pulls off a jab through the gloves and proceeds to catch Williamson’s jab with his glove. Williamson leads with the jab and body shots Byrd from both sides. Byrd leads with the jab and lands a straight left to the jaw that turns Williamson’s head. Williamson tags Byrd with a jab, but Byrd answers with a jab to the body. Williamson answers back with a jab over the back of Byrd’s head. Byrd leads with a right hook over Williamson’s glove and follows with a straight left to the body. Williamson throws a left hook into Byrd’s shoulder and goes for a right hand, but Byrd counters with a left hand across his face, before pulling off the counter jab. The crowd roars as Williamson shoots the jab through Byrd’s gloves. Byrd leads with the jab and catches Williamson pulling back with a straight left to the body. Williamson again jabs through Byrd’s gloves, but Byrd fires back, shooting the jab through Williamson’s gloves now. Williamson tries to hold Byrd’s head down, but Byrd grabs him around the waist. Byrd goes for a left hand, but Williamson grabs his arm to stop him. Drakulich separates the fighters, and Byrd hops. Williamson jabs through Byrd’s gloves. Byrd ducks a jab and leads with one of his own, before landing a straight left to Williamson’s body. Byrd drops his gloves, looking frustrated, as the crowd boos. Byrd slaps a jab across the side of Williamson’s head and ducks the counter left hook, but Williamson grabs him around the head. Drakulich separates the fighters again as the crowd boos, and Byrd wipes his nose. Byrd swipes a straight left across Williamson’s body against the ropes and ducks the counter jab. Byrd catches Williamson trying to pull away with a right-left combination across the face. Williamson hits his gloves together and pops Byrd with a jab through the gloves. Williamson body shots Byrd against the ropes and goes for a body shot from the other side, but Byrd counters with an uppercut on Williamson. Williamson bashes a left-right combination over Byrd’s gloves as Byrd covers up on the ropes. Williamson keeps Byrd pinned on the ropes with jabs through the gloves that Byrd dodges. Byrd leads with a jab across the gloves, but Williamson holds his head down as Byrd body shots him. Williamson grabs Byrd around the head and turns his own head to dodge a left hand, and they trade body shots. Drakulich tells Williamson to stay off Byrd’s head as he separates the fighters. Byrd lands a jab to Williamson’s chest, followed by a straight left to the body. Williamson locks Byrd’s arm up, but Drakulich separates the fighters. Williamson then slams Byrd’s head back with a jab through the gloves. Byrd goes for a jab to the chest, but Williamson grabs him around the head. Byrd pushes up against Williamson, who locks his arms up, and Byrd looks away until Drakulich separates the fighters. Williamson steps in and stuffs a left hook into Byrd’s glove as Byrd covers up. Williamson grabs Byrd under the arms, but Byrd body shots him as Drakulich orders them to break. Byrd looks away as Drakulich separates the fighters while the crowd boos. Byrd dodges a jab through the gloves, but Williamson knocks his head aside with the next one. Byrd leads with the jab, but Williamson grabs him around the head, and Byrd body shots him. Byrd tries a left hand over Williamson’s glove and body shots Williamson from the other side as Williamson holds on and looks away. Byrd lands a body shot on Williamson’s hip and pulls away as Williamson turns and throws a left hook. The bell rings, and Byrd jabs Williamson’s glove. Byrd turns to his corner and gives a shrug with his arm as the crowd boos. (10-9 Byrd)
ROUND 8: Byrd grits his teeth. Williamson jabs to Byrd’s glove and pushes a pair of jabs through the gloves onto Byrd. The crowd boos as Williamson continues to jab through Byrd’s gloves. Byrd jabs Williamson’s body and pulls off the counter jab. Williamson again jabs through Byrd’s gloves. Byrd pulls off a jab and turns Williamson’s head with a sharp counter jab. Williamson pops Byrd with a jab through the gloves. Byrd leads with a jab to the body and adds a straight left to the body, before pulling off the counter right hand. Williamson sends a straight right and a jab into Byrd’s glove. Byrd shoots the jab into Williamson’s gloves and ducks the counter jab, before giving Williamson a body shot to the arm. Williamson grabs Byrd’s arms, but Byrd struggles with him and body shots Williamson. Byrd frees his arm and holds it high to show that he is not the one holding. Drakulich separates the fighters and warns Williamson about holding. Byrd leads with a jab and body shots Williamson. Byrd grabs Williamson around the waist, but Williamson locks his arm up, prompting Byrd to throw a body shot into his back. Drakulich starts to separate the fighters, and Byrd again holds his glove high. Byrd pouts as Drakulich separates the fighters and again warns Williamson to stop holding. Byrd leads with the jab, but Williamson holds his glove over Byrd’s head and pulls off the straight left to the body attempt. Byrd jabs Williamson over the top of the head and wipes his head. Williamson throws a straight right into Byrd’s glove, to which Byrd responds by dropping his gloves and frowning. Williamson sends another straight right into Byrd’s glove and a body shot into his arm as Byrd covers up. Byrd lands a straight left to Williamson’s body. Williamson catches Byrd with a grazing left hook as Byrd lands a grazing right hook to the top of his head. Williamson tries to put the jab on Byrd, who drops his gloves a moment. Byrd leads with the jab and lands a straight left to the body to get Williamson off. Williamson sticks Byrd with a jab across the face and pulls off the counter jab. Byrd grabs Williamson around the head as Williamson body shots him. Williamson grabs Byrd’s arm but releases, and Byrd body shots him. Byrd spreads his arms as he leans into Williamson. Williamson raises his arms to release Byrd, who body shots him. Williamson grabs onto Byrd again, but Drakulich separates the fighters, and Byrd spreads his arms. Williamson pulls off a jab and counter jabs Byrd across the face. Byrd answers with a straight left to Williamson’s body, but Williamson pulls off the straight right to follow. The crowd goes restless as Williamson pops Byrd’s head back with a jab through the gloves. Byrd ducks a left hook and tries to grab on, but Williamson pushes him off with his glove. Williamson tags Byrd with a pair of jabs to the side of the head. Byrd leads with the jab and goes for a body shot, but Williamson pulls his head down. Byrd body shots Williamson from the other side, but Williamson pulls off the left hand to follow. Williamson pulls off another left hand and catches Byrd coming in with a left hook to the side of the head. Williamson pulls back into the ropes to dodge a jab and staggers back along the ropes. Byrd lands a left hand through the gloves and cracks Williamson with a straight right to the side of the head that knocks Williamson’s head aside as he staggers back along the ropes. The crowd roars as Williamson leads with the jab and body shots Byrd at the bell as Byrd covers up. Williamson goes for a body shot from the other side, but Byrd throws a left hand at him. Drakulich jumps between the fighters, separating them and telling them to listen up. Drakulich resumes sending Byrd away by pushing his back to guide him. (10-9 Byrd)
ROUND 8: Byrd grits his teeth. Williamson jabs to Byrd’s glove and pushes a pair of jabs through the gloves onto Byrd. The crowd boos as Williamson continues to jab through Byrd’s gloves. Byrd jabs Williamson’s body and pulls off the counter jab. Williamson again jabs through Byrd’s gloves. Byrd pulls off a jab and turns Williamson’s head with a sharp counter jab. Williamson pops Byrd with a jab through the gloves. Byrd leads with a jab to the body and adds a straight left to the body, before pulling off the counter right hand. Williamson sends a straight right and a jab into Byrd’s glove. Byrd shoots the jab into Williamson’s gloves and ducks the counter jab, before giving Williamson a body shot to the arm. Williamson grabs Byrd’s arms, but Byrd struggles with him and body shots Williamson. Byrd frees his arm and holds it high to show that he is not the one holding. Drakulich separates the fighters and warns Williamson about holding. Byrd leads with a jab and body shots Williamson. Byrd grabs Williamson around the waist, but Williamson locks his arm up, prompting Byrd to throw a body shot into his back. Drakulich starts to separate the fighters, and Byrd again holds his glove high. Byrd pouts as Drakulich separates the fighters and again warns Williamson to stop holding. Byrd leads with the jab, but Williamson holds his glove over Byrd’s head and pulls off the straight left to the body attempt. Byrd jabs Williamson over the top of the head and wipes his head. Williamson throws a straight right into Byrd’s glove, to which Byrd responds by dropping his gloves and frowning. Williamson sends another straight right into Byrd’s glove and a body shot into his arm as Byrd covers up. Byrd lands a straight left to Williamson’s body. Williamson catches Byrd with a grazing left hook as Byrd lands a grazing right hook to the top of his head. Williamson tries to put the jab on Byrd, who drops his gloves a moment. Byrd leads with the jab and lands a straight left to the body to get Williamson off. Williamson sticks Byrd with a jab across the face and pulls off the counter jab. Byrd grabs Williamson around the head as Williamson body shots him. Williamson grabs Byrd’s arm but releases, and Byrd body shots him. Byrd spreads his arms as he leans into Williamson. Williamson raises his arms to release Byrd, who body shots him. Williamson grabs onto Byrd again, but Drakulich separates the fighters, and Byrd spreads his arms. Williamson pulls off a jab and counter jabs Byrd across the face. Byrd answers with a straight left to Williamson’s body, but Williamson pulls off the straight right to follow. The crowd goes restless as Williamson pops Byrd’s head back with a jab through the gloves. Byrd ducks a left hook and tries to grab on, but Williamson pushes him off with his glove. Williamson tags Byrd with a pair of jabs to the side of the head. Byrd leads with the jab and goes for a body shot, but Williamson pulls his head down. Byrd body shots Williamson from the other side, but Williamson pulls off the left hand to follow. Williamson pulls off another left hand and catches Byrd coming in with a left hook to the side of the head. Williamson pulls back into the ropes to dodge a jab and staggers back along the ropes. Byrd lands a left hand through the gloves and cracks Williamson with a straight right to the side of the head that knocks Williamson’s head aside as he staggers back along the ropes. The crowd roars as Williamson leads with the jab and body shots Byrd at the bell as Byrd covers up. Williamson goes for a body shot from the other side, but Byrd throws a left hand at him. Drakulich jumps between the fighters, separating them and telling them to listen up. Drakulich resumes sending Byrd away by pushing his back to guide him. (10-9 Byrd)
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ROUND 9: Williamson wipes his face as he comes out. Williamson catches Byrd with a grazing uppercut across the face against the ropes. Byrd ducks a straight right, but Williamson bounces a left hook off his shoulder as Byrd ducks and covers. Williamson proceeds to pin Byrd on the ropes. Byrd pulls back into the ropes to dodge a left hook. Byrd leads with the jab and comes under Williamson’s jab with a straight left to the chest. Williamson overshoots a jab of his own and tries to hold Byrd’s head down, but Byrd knocks him off with a straight right to the side of the head. Williamson adds a straight right and a jab to Byrd’s gloves as Byrd covers up on the ropes. Williamson bats a right hand over Byrd’s glove, but Byrd pulls off the jab through the gloves that follows. Byrd jabs through Williamson’s gloves and across his face to get Williamson off. Williamson sticks the jab into Byrd’s gloves in return. Both fighters miss with jabs through the gloves, and Byrd comes up with a left hand through the gloves, but Williamson pulls off. Byrd tries to grab on, but Williamson pushes him off and hits Byrd with an uppercut. Williamson pops Byrd with a jab to the side of the head. Byrd leads with the jab and ducks the counter jab, before landing a straight left to Williamson’s body. Byrd wipes his nose. Byrd ducks a jab and lands another straight left to Williamson’s body. Byrd leads with a left hand through the gloves and throws down a right hook to the side of Williamson’s head. Williamson grabs Byrd around the head as Byrd grabs him around the waist. Drakulich separates the fighters as the crowd grows restless. Byrd jabs the side of Williamson’s head to knock Williamson back as the crowd boos. Williamson overshoots a jab and hooks Byrd around the head, and Byrd grabs onto him until Drakulich separates the fighters. Byrd swats Williamson’s jab with his glove and begins hopping, looking frustrated. Williamson pulls off a jab and slams Byrd with a counter jab that turns his head, before pulling off a straight left aimed at his chest. Byrd throws a body shot into Williamson’s arm and pushes the jab through Williamson’s gloves as Williamson pulls back along the ropes, covering up. Byrd drapes his arm over the ropes and wipes his nose. Williamson catches Byrd with a grazing jab through the gloves. Byrd leads with the jab and ducks the counter jab to throw his forearm into Williamson’s body. Byrd comes up with a left hand to Williamson’s glove and pulls off the counter jab. Byrd hops as Williamson wipes his nose. Williamson overshoots the jab as Byrd leans aside and freezes, covering up with one glove. Williamson pops Byrd with a jab through the gloves in response. Williamson goes for the jab, but Byrd throws a jab of his own to thwart it. Williamson follows up by banging a right hand across Byrd’s gloves. Williamson leads with his right and pounds a left hook over Byrd’s back. Byrd grabs Williamson around the waist and spins him, and Drakulich orders the fighters to break, but Byrd tries to body shot Williamson. Drakulich separates the fighters, and Byrd looks to him. Williamson jabs through Byrd’s gloves to the top of his head, followed by another one across Byrd’s face. Williamson slams Byrd with another jab through the gloves to Byrd’s jaw. Byrd lands a jab and a straight left to Williamson’s body against the ropes in return. Byrd bangs a straight right-left combination into Williamson’s shoulders against the ropes, followed by a right hook across Williamson’s body as he rattles on the ropes. Byrd goes for a left hand, but Williamson counters with a left hook on Byrd. The crowd roars as Byrd chases Williamson along the ropes with a jab to the arm. Byrd jabs Williamson’s chest and sends a left hand across his body against the ropes. Williamson grabs Byrd around the head as Byrd stuffs a right hook into his back. Byrd stuffs another left hand across Williamson’s chest, followed by another right hook to the back against the ropes, but Williamson pulls off a big left hand to follow. Byrd jabs Williamson’s body as Williamson jabs the side of his head. The bell rings, and Drakulich slides between the fighters, who both walk away calmly. Williamson wipes his face and adjusts his trunks as the crowd boos. (10-9 Williamson)
ROUND 10: Byrd wipes his face and sticks his tongue out. Byrd leads with the jab and tags Williamson with a straight left to the body, before pulling off the counter jab. Byrd pulls off a jab and holds his glove to Williamson’s body to get him off. Byrd pulls off a jab and counters with a straight left to Williamson’s body, before ducking the next jab from Williamson. Byrd leads with the jab and connects with a straight left to Williamson’s side against the ropes. Byrd body shots Williamson from the other side and follows with a left hand across Williamson’s face that turns his head on the ropes. Byrd ducks a jab and body shots Williamson from the other side. Williamson slides along the ropes and pops Byrd with a jab through the gloves. Williamson pulls off a straight left aimed at his body but gets caught by a grazing right hook through the gloves and across his face on the ropes. Byrd follows with a grazing straight left to the side of Williamson’s head as the crowd roars. Williamson grabs Byrd’s arm and stuffs a right hand into the side of his head. Byrd stuffs a left hand over Williamson’s glove and across his face as they turn off the ropes with each other. Williamson tries to lock Byrd’s arms up, but Byrd body shots him. Drakulich separates the fighters and tells Williamson to stop holding. Williamson pops Byrd with a jab through the gloves. Byrd drops his gloves and hops, but Williamson pops him with another jab through the gloves. Byrd comes under Williamson’s jab with a straight left across his body. Byrd follows with a straight left through Williamson’s gloves that misses Williamson on the ropes, followed by a right hook over Williamson’s glove to the side of his head. Williamson grabs onto Byrd, but Byrd body shots him. Williamson grabs Byrd under the arms, but Byrd body shots him and adds one from the other side to Williamson’s arm. Byrd gives Williamson another pair of body shots as Drakulich tells them to punch out. Williamson gives Byrd a right hand to the top of the head, but Byrd body shots him in return. Williamson stuffs Byrd with a right hand, but Byrd body shots him again. Williamson overshoots a right hand as Byrd grabs him around the waist. Drakulich orders a break, but Williamson lands a right hand over the back of Byrd’s head. Drakulich stops and separates the fighters, and Byrd raises his glove and complains as the crowd boos. Byrd pops Williamson with a jab across the face and ducks the counter jab. Williamson shoots a straight right into Byrd’s gloves. Williamson then pops Byrd with a jab through the gloves. Byrd goes for a jab to the body, but Williamson catches him coming in with a jab to the side of the head, before pulling off the straight left to the body. Williamson then knocks Byrd’s head back with a jab through the gloves. Byrd leads with the jab, ducks Williamson’s jab, and sends a straight left across Williamson’s body as Williamson turns aside into the ropes. Byrd sends a left hand around Williamson’s glove and across his jaw as Williamson stumbles back along the ropes. Williamson grabs Byrd around the head, but Byrd throws a pair of body shots into his arm. Byrd lets his arms hang until Drakulich separates the fighters. Byrd grazes Williamson with a jab, before ducking the counter jab and hitting Williamson with a low blow as Williamson lands a right hand over the back of Byrd’s head. Byrd goes for a straight left to follow, but Williamson pushes him off. Byrd lands another grazing jab across Williamson’s face, but Williamson counter jabs him across the face. Byrd body shots Williamson as Williamson lands a right hand over the side of his head. Williamson grabs Byrd around the head and pushes him off. Byrd pulls off a jab and fires a left hand across Williamson’s chest as Williamson tries to pull back. Byrd ducks a jab, turns, and points his glove to the crowd, talking and grinning. Williamson responds with a jab across Byrd’s face. Byrd feints side to side and lands a jab to Williamson’s chest. Byrd follows up with a left-right combination to Williamson’s chest as Williamson turns away on the ropes. Byrd body shots Williamson, but Williamson pulls off the left hand to follow. The bell rings, and both fighters turn and walk away with their heads down as the crowd boos. (10-9 Byrd)
ROUND 11: Williamson puts the jab all over Byrd as he covers up. Byrd leads with the jab and ducks the counter jab, before landing a straight left to Williamson’s body. Williamson begins sticking the jab to Byrd’s glove. Byrd starts to throw a right hook but body shots Williamson from the other side instead. Byrd leads with the jab, but Williamson puts his glove over the back of Byrd’s head to pull off a straight left to the body. Williamson stops to wipe his nose. Byrd fires a jab to Williamson’s body, followed by a straight left to the arm as Williamson turns aside and nudges Byrd off with his arm as Williamson is pulling back. Williamson jabs into Byrd’s gloves and body shots Byrd from the other side, before pulling off the counter left hand. Williamson pops Byrd with a jab while Byrd’s gloves are down. Williamson then pops Byrd with a jab through the gloves and goes for a body shot, but Byrd counters with a right hook to the side of his head. Williamson pops Byrd with a pair of jabs while Byrd’s gloves are again down. Byrd ducks a jab and jabs Williamson’s body, before going for a straight left to the body, but Williamson grabs him around the head. Byrd stuffs Williamson with a left hand around the glove and comes over with another left hand across Williamson’s jaw that turns his head. The crowd roars as Williamson turns and bashes a left hook into the side of Byrd’s head while they hold onto each other. Byrd comes up with a counter left hand that knocks Williamson’s head back. Williamson tries to measure Byrd with his glove and body shots him from the other side as Byrd turns away. Byrd ducks a right hand and rises sideways with his gloves down, pulling off Williamson’s jab. Byrd plants a jab to Williamson’s body, followed by a straight left to the chest. Byrd again drops his gloves and turns his head to dodge a straight right from Williamson. Williamson sends a left hook into Byrd’s glove, but Byrd counters with a left hand past Williamson’s face as Williamson turns his head the other way. Williamson leans over, but Byrd catches him with an uppercut. Williamson grabs Byrd around the head, but Byrd stuffs him with a left hand to the back. Drakulich separates the fighters, and Byrd wipes his nose. Byrd jabs Williamson’s body and pulls off the counter left hook. Williamson follows up with a straight right hand that turns Byrd’s head aside. Byrd freezes a moment and jerks his head back to face Williamson, a grin on his face as the crowd roars. Byrd then throws a looping left hand into Williamson’s chest, ducking the counter left-right combination from Williamson. Byrd then tags Williamson with a jab to the side of the head and a straight left to the shoulder that knocks Williamson back into the ropes. Byrd follows through with a straight right through Williamson’s gloves just short of his face against the ropes. Byrd grabs Williamson around the waist, but Williamson bashes a left hook into the side of his head. Drakulich separates the fighters, and Williamson throws a left hook into Byrd’s glove as Byrd covers. Byrd drops his gloves to dodge a jab. The crowd boos as Byrd leads with a jab to the body and lands a straight left to Williamson’s body. Byrd tries to jab Williamson’s body but hits glove, before ducking the counter right hand and coming up with a left hand over the back of Williamson’s head, followed by a right hook to Williamson’s glove against the ropes. Byrd leads with a straight left and catches Williamson with a grazing straight right across the face as Williamson leans back into the ropes. They grab each other around the head as the crowd roars. Williamson gives Byrd a pair of body shots and pushes Byrd’s head back to stop the counter left hand, before bashing a left hook over the side of Byrd’s head. Byrd drops his gloves and dodges a jab and straight right from Williamson against the ropes as he leans aside. Byrd ducks another jab and leans over, looking away, before popping Williamson with a jab to the face from the side. Byrd pulls off Williamson’s jab and counters with a jab that knocks Williamson’s head straight back. Byrd comes under Williamson’s jab to stick a jab to Williamson’s body. Williamson catches Byrd with a straight right to the side of the head and pulls off the counter left hand. Williamson then overshoots a jab and tries to hold Byrd’s head down and throw a right hand but stops to pull off an uppercut from Byrd. The crowd boos as Williamson tries to put the jab on Byrd while Byrd drops his hands and turns his head away. Byrd ducks a jab, and Williamson slips behind him, flinging a right hand into Byrd’s arm from the side. The bell rings, and Williamson walks away, looking down and blinking as the crowd boos loudly. (10-9 Byrd)
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ROUND 12: Byrd looks down as Williamson looks down and adjusts his trunks. Williamson offers both of his gloves to Byrd, who raises his gloves and hits them with Williamson as the crowd boos. Byrd comes with the jab, but Williamson jabs through his gloves. Williamson tags Byrd with a jab, but Byrd knocks Williamson back with a counter jab. Williamson steps in and body shots Byrd from both sides. Williamson goes for a left hook to follow, but Byrd pushes him off with his glove. Williamson sends an uppercut into Byrd’s glove, but Byrd pulls off the straight right to follow. Williamson tries to hold his glove to the side of Byrd’s head, but Byrd body shots him off. Williamson steps in with an uppercut through Byrd’s gloves that turns Byrd’s head. The crowd roars as Byrd leads with the jab and answers with a straight left to the chest that backs Williamson off. Williamson comes back to stuff another uppercut into Byrd’s gloves as he covers up. Williamson taps a left hook into Byrd’s glove as he continues to cover. Byrd answers with a jab to the top of Williamson’s head. Byrd leads with the jab and throws a body shot into Williamson’s arm as they collide and grab onto each other, with Williamson almost tripping over Byrd’s foot. Williamson then pushes Byrd off of him. Byrd ducks a jab and lands a jab and a straight left to Williamson’s body, before coming over Williamson’s arm with a grazing right hook across the face that turns Williamson’s head. Williamson goes for the jab, but Byrd hits him with a straight left to the body. Williamson sends an uppercut into Byrd’s glove and goes for a left hook, but Byrd counters with another grazing right hook across Williamson’s face. Byrd ducks the counter right hand, and Williamson grabs his arm, prompting Byrd to body shot him. Drakulich pats at Williamson’s arm to try to get him to release Byrd, and Williamson obeys. Byrd goes for a straight left to the chest but hits Williamson’s arm and follows with a straight right hand to Williamson’s body. Williamson pulls off the straight left to follow, overshoots the counter jab, and tries to hold Byrd’s head down. Williamson attempts an uppercut while holding Byrd’s head down, but Byrd pulls off, and Williamson stumbles, before collapsing onto his knee, his glove over the ropes, looking up at Byrd, who grins and turns away. The crowd cheers as Williamson pulls himself up, using his glove over the ropes. Drakulich waves his hands, ruling it a slip, as Byrd walks away. Byrd looks back, grinning, as Drakulich checks on Williamson. Byrd jabs Williamson, but Williamson counters with a straight right to the side of his head. Byrd ducks a left hook and grabs Williamson around the shoulder, looking down as if bored, until Drakulich separates the fighters. Byrd dodges a jab and knocks Williamson’s head back with a counter jab. The crowd boos as Williamson leads with the jab and throws down a right hand to Byrd’s body. Williamson tries to put the jab on Byrd and throws body shots into Byrd’s arms from both sides. Byrd stalks Williamson and body shots him now. Williamson grabs Byrd and locks his arm up, prompting Byrd to spread his arms and start to back out, but Drakulich separates the fighters. Williamson pulls off a jab and counter jabs the side of Byrd’s head. Williamson grabs Byrd’s arm, but Byrd leans over as Drakulich tells them to punch out. Williamson pulls off a right hook and pops Byrd with a counter jab. Byrd answers with a straight left to the chest, followed by a right hook that grazes the side of Williamson’s head. Williamson leads with the jab and body shots Byrd. Byrd answers by firing a straight left through Williamson’s gloves and across his face on the ropes. Byrd follows up by throwing a straight right through the gloves just short of Williamson’s face, followed by a straight left to the chest against the ropes and a right hook to the side of the head that knocks Williamson’s head aside. The crowd roars as Williamson leads with the jab but overshoots a straight right and grabs Byrd by the arm, and Byrd body shots him. Williamson pushes Byrd off with a glove to the head and pops him with a jab to the top of the head. Williamson pops Byrd with a straight right to the side of the head as Byrd leans aside to size him up. Byrd bobs and weaves to dodge a pair of jabs, before firing a straight right through Williamson’s gloves to his chest, followed by a left hand just short of Williamson’s face, and Byrd spills past Williamson into the ropes, covering up. Byrd turns to face Williamson, covered up, but Drakulich stops and separates the fighters as the crowd boos. Byrd misses with a right hook as Williamson misses with a left hook, and Williamson locks his arm up, before batting a right hand over Byrd’s glove to the side of his head. Byrd answers with a body shot to Williamson, who pushes him off. Drakulich stops and separates the fighters. Byrd leads with the jab and hurls a hard straight right hand that barely catches Williamson across the face as he is throwing a right hand. Williamson overshoots a jab and locks Byrd’s head up a moment, before pushing Byrd off. Byrd pulls aside into the ropes to measure Williamson up. Williamson goes for the jab, but Byrd counters with a straight left hand across his jaw. Williamson goes for a right hand, but Byrd beats him to the punch with a right hook across the jaw. Williamson tries to land a jab, but the bell rings. Byrd starts to walk away but turns to look at Williamson, who turns and departs as the crowd boos loudly. (10-9 Byrd)
FINAL SCORE: 118-110 Byrd
Byrd appears wild eyed as he turns back and walks away, looking at the booing crowd out of the corner of his eye. Byrd walks back to his corner and nods to one of his trainers on the ring apron. Byrd paces with his head down as Williamson walks across the ring, looking down, while the crowd continues to boo. Byrd takes a drink and lowers his head, before giving a nod. Byrd begins talking and gives a frown. Byrd pouts and starts to take a drink but spits the water out. Byrd is wiped down with a towel. Byrd’s wife, Tracy Byrd, whispers to him as Byrd has his nose wiped with a towel. Byrd takes a drink and again has his nose wiped with the towel. Byrd puts his hand on his hip and looks aside. Byrd drinks, looks down, and pouts. Byrd continues to pout as he has his chest wiped with a towel. Byrd has his face wiped with the towel next. Byrd gets a lost look on his face as he looks out at the crowd. Byrd begins nodding and takes a drink. Byrd looks aside and talks as his chest is wiped down. Byrd snarls his lip and talks, speaking to Tracy. Tracy helps Byrd put his shirt back on.
Jimmy Lennon Jr. announces a unanimous decision, drawing boos from the crowd. Lennon announces the first scorecard as 115-113 as Byrd tries to put his shirt on and takes a drink while Tracy talks to him. Byrd pouts and spits the water out as the crowd boos. Lennon announces the final two scorecards as 116-112 as Williamson looks up and blinks, sporting a towel over his shoulder. Byrd has his face wiped with a towel and turns, pouting. Lennon announces Byrd as the winner by unanimous decision and still IBF Champion as Tracy hugs her husband and whispers to him. Byrd looks down as Tracy raises her hand. Byrd looks upset as Drakulich raises his hand. Byrd nods and pouts, leaning his head aside, as the crowd boos. Byrd makes a face as he looks up and has the title belt placed around his waist. Byrd takes a drink and looks around, giving a half-hearted smile. Byrd continues to look about carelessly.
BYRD & WILLIAMSON FIGHT LIKE FRIENDS TO PRODUCE A BORING BYRD DECISION
For the audience in attendance and much of the boxing world, good friends, IBF Champion Chris Byrd and mandatory challenger DaVarryl Williamson put on one of the dullest Heavyweight Championship bouts of all time as they simply refused to commit to engage one another except for the rare exchange here and there over twelve boring rounds; in fact, Referee Vic Drakulich was even prying Williamson and Byrd to fight as early as the second round, followed by a similar plea two rounds later, which is not even a warning referees are allowed to issue. The crowd voiced their ugly opinion of the fight throughout the dreary bout, which seemed to drag on well into the night and made the main event between James Toney and Dominick Guinn look more appetizing with each passing round. Either in an attempt to return to the style that earned him the IBF Championship or as a result of the complications surrounding his career, Byrd chose to fight a cautious and uninspired fight against the usually explosive Williamson, who made no effort to provide any fireworks himself. Don King, playing into the role of the leech he has often been made out to be, has, for all intents and purposes, sucked the boxing blood out of Byrd and rendered him unmotivated and depressed as evidenced by the fight with Williamson. The boring nature of the bout cannot be attributed to Byrd having to compete against his friend because in his previous fight, Byrd put on a wild fight against his family friend, Jameel McCline. For Williamson, the answers are not so clear as he failed to capitalize on a champion open for the taking by not throwing enough effective punches. Moving into the championship rounds, Williamson gave no indication as to whether or not he thought he was winning the fight, which was such an uneventful affair that it became hard to tell just who was winning at times. Byrd made what could hardly be called his dominance felt by the judges, who awarded him the bout albeit by closer margins than this viewer saw. With Toney beating Guinn up and winning a unanimous decision in the main event, Byrd and Toney seemed to be headed toward a January bout for Byrd’s next defense of his IBF Championship, although the bout may seem less appealing in light of Byrd’s uninspired performance against Williamson.
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