GL: Since we last had you on Boxingtalk, the IBF ordered its four man box-off and it has been announced that you're going to be facing Povetkin in Germany on October 27. Can you give us some thoughts on your upcoming fight and the box-off? "First of all I'm really excited. After fighting Wladimir Klitschko, I was a little bit down and I was disappointed in myself about how I fought. Now I have the chance to fight him again and I have to fight my way back to him. Most guys fight for the title as optionals or get in the top spot because of who they're with and they get in eliminators that they don't deserve to be in. The IBF is doing it the way it should be done, look at the top 15 and take the four best guys available, so I'm excited and I'm ready to fight. It don't matter to me who I'm fighting, it don't matter to me where I'm fighting. I just want to get back to that number one spot."

GL: What do you know about Povetkin? What do you think about him as a fighter?

Chris Byrd: "I know he's young. I know he's hungry and eager. I know how I was at 27. I wanted to fight everybody and I wanted to prove that I was one of the best heavyweights in the world. I was in the era with a younger Holyfield, Lewis and Tyson. I know he's a hungry guy, but I'm still hungry and I want to win the title again. I know he's an Olympic Gold Medallist and he has an amatuer background and he's experienced as an amatuer, but all of that goes out of the window when you're fighting professionally. On October 27 we're going to see who the best guy is when we get into the ring."

GL: Are you concerned about getting a fair shake fighting in Germany?

CB: "No. The people are great over there and I think it's going to work out fine. It's the IBF tournament and they're going to appoint the judges and the referees. I have faith in the Lord and whatever happens happens. May the best man win. That's the way it should be. This is boxing and I can't really worry about that stuff."

GL: You are clearly the most accomplished of the four fighters involved in this box-off. Does that bother you at all?

CB: "This is the way to do it. I was champion for almost four years and that should mean something. But if they're looking to get the best four guys in a tournament, I'm like heck yeah let's do it. It's more fights for me. I'm going to get two more fights in before I fight for the title. I think they should do this for everybody. I don't care who you are or what your name is, if you lose your title you should get back in line and fight your way back to the title. That's what makes boxing great."

GL: Is this a do or die fight?

CB: "For me to get back to where I want to get to and the status I once held it definitely is. I'm 37, but when I'm in shape I feel great and I'm 27. You might as well knock ten years off of me. Every fight from this point on is do or die. That's how it is for all fighters who are veterans. At least that's how they should be looking at it. Povetkin is a young guy so if he loses to a former champion he still has his whole career ahead of him. For me there would be no bouncing back unless I was going to be served up to one of the champions, but I don't view myself as one of those guys. I know that I'm one of the best heavyweights in the world. Knowing what I have left in me, I know I will become the champion again and I can be a force in the heavyweight division."

GL: Can we expect you to utilize your boxing skills against Povetkin and not fight him with a chip on your shoulder?

CB: "I want to box him, but my heart might still be too big. It's all going to depend on what style Povetkin brings. I used to be safety first and that was boring to most. Some viewed it as a art, but now I can do either. I'm not scared about getting hit by guys. I know I can fight them and I know I can box them, I just have to be smart and just adapt to what he brings. But I'm going to be a pure boxer first, but if he makes me go to war we can do that too. No problem."

GL: When do you plan on arriving in Germany?

CB: "About a week before the fight. I don't like to stay in one place too long because I get so bored. I wish I could go two days before and fight but I can't adapt that quick."

GL: Is there anything you'd like to say in closing?

CB: "I want to thank my fans for their support. For all the haters like my wife calls them, thanks for hating. I'm going to get back to where I once was, it's just a matter of time. l

M

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