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

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