Byrd Will Make Light Heavyweight Debut Against George - By: Ken Johnson

After signing a new contract with Art Pelullo’s Banner Promotions, former WBO and IBF heavyweight champion Chris Bryd will make his light heavyweight debut against Shaun George next month at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, NV. Byrd dominated David Tua at the same arena back in a 2001 elimination fight, earning him a heavyweight title shot.

Byrd made his professional debut in 1993 at 160 lbs. He hasn't fought at less than 177 pounds since then. He recently lost an IBF eliminator to Alexander Povetkin in Germany. George has own 3 straight since losing on points to Alex Gurov in a bid for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific cruiserweight title.

If Byrd wins a title at light heavyweight, he becomes the 2nd former heavyweight titleholder to drop down to 175 pounds and also claim a belt. The others were Bob Fitzsimmons in 1902 and Roy Jones Jr. in 2003. Pelullo says that he's known Byrd for a long time and is looking forward to working with him. It may surprise some people that a former 2 time heavyweight champion is fighting at a lower weight class. Although, Pelullo thinks that Byrd will have some great fights in the division and most likely win the world championship.

"I'm excited to work with Artie Pelullo and Banner Promotions and look forward to becoming the light heavyweight champion of the world as soon as possible," Byrd said. "I know Roy Jones Jr. and Robert Fitzsimmons won titles at heavyweight and then light heavyweight, but I'll be the first two-time heavyweight champion to move down to light heavy to win the title."

It's been eight years since Byrd won his first heavyweight title against Vitali Klitschko and He had a great run as heavyweight champion after beating Evander Holyfield. In his last fight, Byrd was stopped in the 11th round of a heavyweight eliminator by Alexander Povetkin. After that fight, he originally planned on going down to the 200 lbs. cruiserweight division but the weight just kept coming off.

Ultimately, Byrd would like to land a fight with one of the big names in the division, such as Antonio Tarver, Jones, Clinton Woods, Glen Johnson, Bernard Hopkins, Joe Calzaghe, etc. He expects to be in that mix after a few good fights.

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