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27/10/2007
Byrd's father/trainer throws in towel
Alex Povetkin TKO11 Chris Byrd... The heavyweight division has a fresh face to contend with, and his name is Alexander Povetkin. The 2004 Olympic champion was on his way to a hard fought victory over Chris Byrd when Byrd's father/trainer Joe threw in the towel in the eleventh round of an IBF eliminator in Erfurt, Germany. Both fighters were bleeding from cuts, and the sixth round was particularly fast paced for a heavyweight fight. Povetkin is now 14-0 and will move into Boxingtalk's top ten with the win. He will likely fight the winner of next week's bout between Calvin Brock and Eddie Chambers. Byrd said he will fight on, although at 210 pounds, he might fare better by dropping 10 pounds and campaigning at cruiserweight. "I've got to lose to an American before I retire," Byrd said. "But he (Povetkin) is a good one, he will win the title. I won two titles, so I'm not jealous." source: associated press
