IBF heavyweight champion Chris Byrd told Boxingtalk.com, "Jameel came with it. I wasn't surprised by him...I was impressed more than surprised at his level of skill and the strength he brings into the ring. He's a solid 270 pounds and he could fight, I think the second half of the fight won it for me."
GL: In the second round he knocked you down and had you hurt. What was going through your head when you got up?Chris Byrd: "I was hurt and he rocked my world. But at the same time, my thought was Ibeabuchi and when he knocked me down. I got up and thought to myself, 'I'm not getting stopped this time.' I knew I was going to do something to survive, I couldn't believe I was down, I didn't know what I got caught with but I knew I was going to get up and keep fighting.
GL: At what point did you notice McCline begin to tire?CB: "I think in the fourth or fifth round. He was going at a heavy pace and he was throwing heat. Eventually he had to tire, and he did and that's why I was able to pick it up in the second half of the fight and pull it off."
GL: What's next for Chris Byrd? What are the fights you're now looking to make?CB: "Klitschko. That's the number one guy and I would love to do it. It could be anybody else too though, John Ruiz or any one of Don's other big heavyweights."
GL: Based on the two Klitschko fights, the knock on Chris Byrd was he doesn't do too well against the giants. Does your performance against McCline change that way of thinking?CB: "I hope so. Jameel is the biggest out there. I have a great chance to beat either of the Klitschko's. I'm going to beat them, wear them out. I hope tonight people see that I can fight big guys, do well against them and make them back up also."
GL: Anything you'd like to say in closing?CB: "Thanks for your support and those fans out there who have always been on the bandwagon, I appreciate the love you give me through thick and thin."
(This is a portion of a soon to be released exclusive video interview with the IBF Heavyweight champ at his Presidential Suite at the South Gate Tower Hotel in New York City)Memo To BT Members: DON'T MISS CHRIS BYRD'S CHAT SESSION TOMORROW NIGHT AT 8 PM ET....And on Thursday night BT will host a chat session with Hasim Rahman that will likely turn into a double whammy session with Larry Donald to follow. TNT Chats Are Where It's At!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE OF THIS MUST READ INTERVIEW
Send questions and comments to: gleon@Boxingtalk.net