Daniel Alicea was the definition of a fighter, inside the ring and outside of it. A featherweight and junior lightweight boxer, born and raised in Puerto Rico, Alicea embarked on a professional boxing journey that would see him compete against some of the most formidable opponents of his era.
Alicea's most memorable moment in the ring came on June 8, 1996, when he challenged the flamboyant and undefeated Naseem Hamed for the World Boxing Organization's World Featherweight championship at the Telewest Arena in Newcastle, England. The bout, televised in the United States on the Showtime Network, nearly resulted in a monumental upset when Alicea sent Hamed to the canvas in the first round, shocking the Sheffield native. Although Hamed recovered and stopped Alicea in the second round, the Puerto Rican fighter's valiant effort and near-victory earned him worldwide respect and admiration.
Undeterred by the setback against Hamed, Alicea continued to pursue his dreams of championship glory. He faced another formidable foe in Acelino Freitas on December 16, 2000, at the Sheffield Arena in England. Despite his best efforts, Alicea fell short again, suffering a first-round knockout at the hands of the Brazilian sensation.
Rather than allowing these defeats to define his career, Alicea persevered and captured several prestigious titles in the junior lightweight division. He proudly held the North American Boxing Organization, the World Boxing Council Continental Americas, and the North American Boxing Federation Junior Lightweight belts, cementing his status as a force to be reckoned with in the 130-pound weight class.
One of Alicea's most significant title bouts occurred on September 14, 2002, when he squared off against Nate Campbell at the Las Vegas Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. The two warriors battled for the North American Boxing Association and North American Boxing Federation Super Featherweight titles, showcasing their skills and determination in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Alicea displayed an unwavering commitment to his craft, compiling an impressive record of 38 wins, 11 losses, and 1 draw across 50 professional contests. Among those victories, 26 came by way of knockout, a testament to his punching power and ability to dramatically end fights. Alicea demonstrated his toughness and resilience even in defeat, with only 4 of his 11 losses coming by knockout.
Beyond the ring, Alicea was a devoted husband to his wife, Frances Pagan, and a proud Camden, New Jersey resident. His strong Christian faith was a guiding light throughout his life.
Tragically, in 2016, Alicea was diagnosed with leukemia, a battle that would prove to be his most challenging yet. Despite initially achieving remission, the cancer returned in 2019, testing his resolve once more. On September 8, 2023, at the age of 50, Daniel Alicea passed away due to a brain bleed, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be remembered by boxing fans.
"The Rock" Hasim Rahman won the heavyweight championship with a massive upset 5th round KO of Lennox Lewis at Carnival City Casino in Brakpan, South Africa in 2001.
At the time of the fight, Lewis had lost only one time as a professional: a stoppage to Oliver McCall nearly seven years earlier. Rahman had two stoppage losses on his record, both of which happened somewhat recently. Odds-makers made Lewis an overwhelming favorite—as high as 20-to-1 in some sports books.
While Rahman traveled to South Africa in time to acclimate to the change in altitude, Lewis remained in Las Vegas to film a part in the 2001 film Ocean's 11 and likely arrived later than he should have, later weighing in at a career-high 253 pounds.
Lewis appeared sluggish and sleepy from the start. Though Rahman could be ponderous himself, he arrived ready to counter Lewis' predictable right hands and caught the champion a number of times in the first few rounds.
In round 5, Lewis appeared to mock Rahman and clown a bit after the challenger landed a glancing punch. Lewis pivoted near the ropes immediately afterward and Rahman timed a right hand that caught Lewis perfectly through his guard and had him flat on his back. Lewis tried to beat the count and couldn't, and a new heavyweight champion was crowned.
"No Lewis-Tyson!" Rahman said. "I kept my prayers going and did all my training. And I came up with one punch. One punch."
"This is just what happens in heavyweight boxing," Lewis said. "He hit me with a good shot. That's the situation when you get two big guys in there with right hands. He just threw a big right hand and caught me right on the chin."
Chris Byrd, AKA "Rapid Fire", was an Olympic silver medalist and two-time world heavyweight champion known for his slick boxing skills, quick reflexes, and defensive ability, which allowed him to compete effectively with much larger opponents despite his smaller natural size, he was a natural middleweight. His career included victories over Evander Holyfield, David Tua, and Vitali Klitschko. If the famous term "Brains over brawn" ever applied to any fighter, it applied to Chris Byrd.
Chris Byrd
IBF Champion
Chris Byrd is one of the most unique fighters in modern heavyweight boxing history. A former IBF and WBO heavyweight champion, Byrd carved out a successful career in a division where his natural size would typically place him at a disadvantage. Known for his exceptional defensive skills, slick movement, and ring intelligence, Byrd was a master of the "hit and not get hit" philosophy, frustrating larger, stronger opponents throughout his career. Despite often being overlooked in discussions of heavyweight greats, Byrd’s career stands as a testament to the effectiveness of skill and strategy over raw power.
Early Life and Amateur Success
Christopher Cornelius Byrd was born on August 15, 1970, in Flint, Michigan, a city known for producing tough, gritty fighters. Byrd grew up in a boxing family, with his father, Joe Byrd, training him from an early age. Byrd’s amateur career was stellar, amassing a record of 275 wins and only 20 losses. He was known for his speed, technical ability, and defensive prowess, qualities that would carry him far in the professional ranks.
Byrd’s amateur career peaked when he represented the United States at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, competing as a middleweight. Though he did not win gold, Byrd's Olympic experience marked him as a fighter to watch in the professional ranks.
Professional Career and Early Struggles
Byrd made his professional debut on January 28, 1993, and quickly established himself as a slick, elusive southpaw with a talent for outboxing opponents. Despite his success, Byrd’s style was not particularly crowd-pleasing. He relied on defense, movement, and counterpunching rather than aggression and knockout power, which led to some frustration from fans and promoters alike. However, Byrd’s skills earned him a steady stream of victories, and he began rising through the heavyweight ranks despite often being the smaller man in the ring.
In 1999, Byrd won his first major title, capturing the WBO heavyweight belt by defeating Vitali Klitschko, who was forced to retire from the bout due to injury. This victory put Byrd on the map as a serious contender, but it also set up a complicated rivalry with the Klitschko brothers, who would go on to dominate the heavyweight division in the years to come.
The Klitschko Rivalry
Byrd’s rivalry with the Klitschko brothers defined much of his career. After defeating Vitali Klitschko to win the WBO title, Byrd found himself on a collision course with Vitali’s younger brother, Wladimir Klitschko, who at the time was also an emerging force in the heavyweight division. The two fought for the first time in 2000, with Wladimir dominating Byrd over 12 rounds to win a unanimous decision and claim the WBO title.
Despite the loss, Byrd’s resilience and determination kept him in the title picture. In 2002, Byrd rebounded by defeating Evander Holyfield in a unanimous decision to win the vacant IBF heavyweight title. This victory marked a turning point in Byrd’s career, as he solidified himself as one of the top heavyweights in the world.
Byrd’s reign as IBF champion lasted until 2006, during which time he successfully defended the title against top contenders such as Fres Oquendo and Jameel McCline. However, his reign came to an end in a rematch against Wladimir Klitschko in 2006. This time, Klitschko knocked out Byrd in the seventh round, cementing his dominance in the division and bringing their rivalry to a close.
Fighting Style and Approach
Chris Byrd’s style was a rarity in the heavyweight division. Standing just over 6 feet tall and weighing around 210 pounds in his prime, Byrd often found himself giving up significant size and power to his opponents. However, his slick defense, quick reflexes, and ring IQ allowed him to neutralize many of the larger, more powerful fighters he faced.
Byrd’s defensive style was rooted in his ability to make opponents miss and then counter with precision. He was a master of slipping punches, using head movement and footwork to frustrate his opponents and score points. While he lacked knockout power, Byrd’s ability to avoid damage and outbox his opponents earned him the nickname “Rapid Fire.”
Many of Byrd’s fights went the distance, as he preferred to win by decision rather than engage in slugfests. This approach earned him the respect of boxing purists but often left casual fans craving more action. Nevertheless, Byrd’s effectiveness as a defensive specialist cannot be denied.
Notable Fights and Legacy
In addition to his victories over Vitali Klitschko and Evander Holyfield, Byrd faced several other top heavyweights of his era. His 2004 fight against Andrew Golota ended in a controversial draw, with many fans feeling that Byrd had done enough to win. Byrd also fought David Tua, one of the most feared punchers of the time, in a bout where Byrd’s defensive skills once again shone through as he outboxed Tua to a unanimous decision victory.
Despite his successes, Byrd’s career was marked by a lack of recognition from the broader boxing public. His lack of knockout power, combined with his defensive style, meant that he was often overshadowed by more aggressive, power-punching heavyweights like Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, and the Klitschko brothers. However, for those who appreciated the technical side of the sport, Byrd was a master of his craft.
Byrd’s career began to wind down in the mid-2000s, and after his loss to Wladimir Klitschko in 2006, he struggled to regain his previous form. A brief, ill-fated attempt to drop down to the light heavyweight division in 2008 ended with a stoppage loss to Shaun George, and Byrd retired shortly thereafter.
Life After Boxing
Following his retirement, Byrd faced significant health challenges, including chronic pain and mobility issues stemming from years of fighting larger opponents. He was open about the toll that boxing had taken on his body, and he worked to raise awareness about the physical and mental health challenges faced by retired fighters.
Byrd has also remained involved in boxing, working as a trainer and mentor to younger fighters. His knowledge of the sport and defensive expertise has made him a valuable resource for up-and-coming boxers looking to improve their skills.
Legacy
Chris Byrd’s legacy in boxing is one of resilience, intelligence, and skill. He may not have had the size, power, or fanfare of some of his contemporaries, but his accomplishments in the heavyweight division speak for themselves. Byrd won world titles, defeated some of the best heavyweights of his era, and did so while giving up significant physical advantages to his opponents.
For boxing purists, Byrd represents the beauty of the "sweet science"—the ability to win fights with skill, strategy, and defense. His career serves as a reminder that boxing is not just about brute force but about technique and intelligence. While he may not be as celebrated as some of the heavyweight greats, Byrd’s contributions to the sport are undeniable.
Conclusion
Chris Byrd’s career may not have been filled with highlight-reel knockouts or flashy performances, but his success in the heavyweight division is a testament to his skill, determination, and defensive genius. As a two-time heavyweight champion, Byrd carved out a unique legacy in one of the most challenging weight classes in boxing, proving that brains can sometimes beat brawn in the ring.
Key Achievements:
Former IBF and WBO Heavyweight Champion
Defeated Vitali Klitschko, Evander Holyfield, and David Tua
Known for his defensive mastery and ring intelligence
Byrd’s place in boxing history is secure, not as a power puncher, but as a skilled tactician who used his mind and technique to outwit his opponents.
Chris Byrd is often overlooked in boxing history, but for those who have an understanding of the art of boxing, the technical aspect, the science, he is eye candy. His fight with the murderous punching David Tua is one of my favorite fights, Byrd put on a masterclass against a very dangerous opponent.
In what turned out to be a classic example of "styles making fights", the style of Chris Byrd was all wrong for David Tua. Byrd, the tricky - but also tough - southpaw, outboxed and outsmarted the heavy handed Tua for 12-rounds to win a well-deserved unanimous decision. This was not just a demonstration of the art of hitting and not being hit, it was also a demonstration of grit, determination, and inner strength on the part of the underdog Byrd. Tua did his best to put pressure on Byrd in every round. He dished out some heavy shots to the body, the sort of punches that weakened Hasim Rahman and led to Tua's 10th round stoppage of Rahman. But weaken Byrd? A little, yes, but not enough for Tua to be able to take control of the fight. Byrd admitted afterward that the body shots (which included some low blows) had taken a bit out of him, and he slowed down in the last two rounds, which Tua won on all three judges scorecards. But at that late stage of the fight, Tua needed to do more than win rounds - he needed to blast Byrd with big punches. And that, frankly, never looked close to happening. Even in the early rounds, when Tua was expected to be at his most dangerous, Byrd was in control of the fight. By the middle rounds, Byrd was outclassing Tua and almost playing with him. The pro-Byrd crowd that packed the New Cox Pavilion, next door to the Thomas & Mack center South of the famous Las Vegas strip, roared with delight as the southpaw knocked back Tua's head with straight lefts and, in the eighth, seemed to hurt Tua with left-hand drives to the body. Tua dropped his hands as if mocking Byrd's punching power, and sneered as if to say: "You can't hurt me." But Byrd was piling up points with his clean, accurate punching. It was obvious before the final bell that this wasn't going to be Tua's night.
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Music break.
Daniel Alicea was the definition of a fighter, inside the ring and outside of it. A featherweight and junior lightweight boxer, born and raised in Puerto Rico, Alicea embarked on a professional boxing journey that would see him compete against some of the most formidable opponents of his era.
Alicea's most memorable moment in the ring came on June 8, 1996, when he challenged the flamboyant and undefeated Naseem Hamed for the World Boxing Organization's World Featherweight championship at the Telewest Arena in Newcastle, England. The bout, televised in the United States on the Showtime Network, nearly resulted in a monumental upset when Alicea sent Hamed to the canvas in the first round, shocking the Sheffield native. Although Hamed recovered and stopped Alicea in the second round, the Puerto Rican fighter's valiant effort and near-victory earned him worldwide respect and admiration.
Undeterred by the setback against Hamed, Alicea continued to pursue his dreams of championship glory. He faced another formidable foe in Acelino Freitas on December 16, 2000, at the Sheffield Arena in England. Despite his best efforts, Alicea fell short again, suffering a first-round knockout at the hands of the Brazilian sensation.
Rather than allowing these defeats to define his career, Alicea persevered and captured several prestigious titles in the junior lightweight division. He proudly held the North American Boxing Organization, the World Boxing Council Continental Americas, and the North American Boxing Federation Junior Lightweight belts, cementing his status as a force to be reckoned with in the 130-pound weight class.
One of Alicea's most significant title bouts occurred on September 14, 2002, when he squared off against Nate Campbell at the Las Vegas Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. The two warriors battled for the North American Boxing Association and North American Boxing Federation Super Featherweight titles, showcasing their skills and determination in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Alicea displayed an unwavering commitment to his craft, compiling an impressive record of 38 wins, 11 losses, and 1 draw across 50 professional contests. Among those victories, 26 came by way of knockout, a testament to his punching power and ability to dramatically end fights. Alicea demonstrated his toughness and resilience even in defeat, with only 4 of his 11 losses coming by knockout.
Beyond the ring, Alicea was a devoted husband to his wife, Frances Pagan, and a proud Camden, New Jersey resident. His strong Christian faith was a guiding light throughout his life.
Tragically, in 2016, Alicea was diagnosed with leukemia, a battle that would prove to be his most challenging yet. Despite initially achieving remission, the cancer returned in 2019, testing his resolve once more. On September 8, 2023, at the age of 50, Daniel Alicea passed away due to a brain bleed, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be remembered by boxing fans.
"The Rock" Hasim Rahman won the heavyweight championship with a massive upset 5th round KO of Lennox Lewis at Carnival City Casino in Brakpan, South Africa in 2001.
At the time of the fight, Lewis had lost only one time as a professional: a stoppage to Oliver McCall nearly seven years earlier. Rahman had two stoppage losses on his record, both of which happened somewhat recently. Odds-makers made Lewis an overwhelming favorite—as high as 20-to-1 in some sports books.
While Rahman traveled to South Africa in time to acclimate to the change in altitude, Lewis remained in Las Vegas to film a part in the 2001 film Ocean's 11 and likely arrived later than he should have, later weighing in at a career-high 253 pounds.
Lewis appeared sluggish and sleepy from the start. Though Rahman could be ponderous himself, he arrived ready to counter Lewis' predictable right hands and caught the champion a number of times in the first few rounds.
In round 5, Lewis appeared to mock Rahman and clown a bit after the challenger landed a glancing punch. Lewis pivoted near the ropes immediately afterward and Rahman timed a right hand that caught Lewis perfectly through his guard and had him flat on his back. Lewis tried to beat the count and couldn't, and a new heavyweight champion was crowned.
"No Lewis-Tyson!" Rahman said. "I kept my prayers going and did all my training. And I came up with one punch. One punch."
"This is just what happens in heavyweight boxing," Lewis said. "He hit me with a good shot. That's the situation when you get two big guys in there with right hands. He just threw a big right hand and caught me right on the chin."
Chris Byrd, AKA "Rapid Fire", was an Olympic silver medalist and two-time world heavyweight champion known for his slick boxing skills, quick reflexes, and defensive ability, which allowed him to compete effectively with much larger opponents despite his smaller natural size, he was a natural middleweight. His career included victories over Evander Holyfield, David Tua, and Vitali Klitschko. If the famous term "Brains over brawn" ever applied to any fighter, it applied to Chris Byrd.
Chris Byrd
IBF Champion
Chris Byrd is one of the most unique fighters in modern heavyweight boxing history. A former IBF and WBO heavyweight champion, Byrd carved out a successful career in a division where his natural size would typically place him at a disadvantage. Known for his exceptional defensive skills, slick movement, and ring intelligence, Byrd was a master of the "hit and not get hit" philosophy, frustrating larger, stronger opponents throughout his career. Despite often being overlooked in discussions of heavyweight greats, Byrd’s career stands as a testament to the effectiveness of skill and strategy over raw power.
Early Life and Amateur Success
Christopher Cornelius Byrd was born on August 15, 1970, in Flint, Michigan, a city known for producing tough, gritty fighters. Byrd grew up in a boxing family, with his father, Joe Byrd, training him from an early age. Byrd’s amateur career was stellar, amassing a record of 275 wins and only 20 losses. He was known for his speed, technical ability, and defensive prowess, qualities that would carry him far in the professional ranks.
Byrd’s amateur career peaked when he represented the United States at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, competing as a middleweight. Though he did not win gold, Byrd's Olympic experience marked him as a fighter to watch in the professional ranks.
Professional Career and Early Struggles
Byrd made his professional debut on January 28, 1993, and quickly established himself as a slick, elusive southpaw with a talent for outboxing opponents. Despite his success, Byrd’s style was not particularly crowd-pleasing. He relied on defense, movement, and counterpunching rather than aggression and knockout power, which led to some frustration from fans and promoters alike. However, Byrd’s skills earned him a steady stream of victories, and he began rising through the heavyweight ranks despite often being the smaller man in the ring.
In 1999, Byrd won his first major title, capturing the WBO heavyweight belt by defeating Vitali Klitschko, who was forced to retire from the bout due to injury. This victory put Byrd on the map as a serious contender, but it also set up a complicated rivalry with the Klitschko brothers, who would go on to dominate the heavyweight division in the years to come.
The Klitschko Rivalry
Byrd’s rivalry with the Klitschko brothers defined much of his career. After defeating Vitali Klitschko to win the WBO title, Byrd found himself on a collision course with Vitali’s younger brother, Wladimir Klitschko, who at the time was also an emerging force in the heavyweight division. The two fought for the first time in 2000, with Wladimir dominating Byrd over 12 rounds to win a unanimous decision and claim the WBO title.
Despite the loss, Byrd’s resilience and determination kept him in the title picture. In 2002, Byrd rebounded by defeating Evander Holyfield in a unanimous decision to win the vacant IBF heavyweight title. This victory marked a turning point in Byrd’s career, as he solidified himself as one of the top heavyweights in the world.
Byrd’s reign as IBF champion lasted until 2006, during which time he successfully defended the title against top contenders such as Fres Oquendo and Jameel McCline. However, his reign came to an end in a rematch against Wladimir Klitschko in 2006. This time, Klitschko knocked out Byrd in the seventh round, cementing his dominance in the division and bringing their rivalry to a close.
Fighting Style and Approach
Chris Byrd’s style was a rarity in the heavyweight division. Standing just over 6 feet tall and weighing around 210 pounds in his prime, Byrd often found himself giving up significant size and power to his opponents. However, his slick defense, quick reflexes, and ring IQ allowed him to neutralize many of the larger, more powerful fighters he faced.
Byrd’s defensive style was rooted in his ability to make opponents miss and then counter with precision. He was a master of slipping punches, using head movement and footwork to frustrate his opponents and score points. While he lacked knockout power, Byrd’s ability to avoid damage and outbox his opponents earned him the nickname “Rapid Fire.”
Many of Byrd’s fights went the distance, as he preferred to win by decision rather than engage in slugfests. This approach earned him the respect of boxing purists but often left casual fans craving more action. Nevertheless, Byrd’s effectiveness as a defensive specialist cannot be denied.
Notable Fights and Legacy
In addition to his victories over Vitali Klitschko and Evander Holyfield, Byrd faced several other top heavyweights of his era. His 2004 fight against Andrew Golota ended in a controversial draw, with many fans feeling that Byrd had done enough to win. Byrd also fought David Tua, one of the most feared punchers of the time, in a bout where Byrd’s defensive skills once again shone through as he outboxed Tua to a unanimous decision victory.
Despite his successes, Byrd’s career was marked by a lack of recognition from the broader boxing public. His lack of knockout power, combined with his defensive style, meant that he was often overshadowed by more aggressive, power-punching heavyweights like Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, and the Klitschko brothers. However, for those who appreciated the technical side of the sport, Byrd was a master of his craft.
Byrd’s career began to wind down in the mid-2000s, and after his loss to Wladimir Klitschko in 2006, he struggled to regain his previous form. A brief, ill-fated attempt to drop down to the light heavyweight division in 2008 ended with a stoppage loss to Shaun George, and Byrd retired shortly thereafter.
Life After Boxing
Following his retirement, Byrd faced significant health challenges, including chronic pain and mobility issues stemming from years of fighting larger opponents. He was open about the toll that boxing had taken on his body, and he worked to raise awareness about the physical and mental health challenges faced by retired fighters.
Byrd has also remained involved in boxing, working as a trainer and mentor to younger fighters. His knowledge of the sport and defensive expertise has made him a valuable resource for up-and-coming boxers looking to improve their skills.
Legacy
Chris Byrd’s legacy in boxing is one of resilience, intelligence, and skill. He may not have had the size, power, or fanfare of some of his contemporaries, but his accomplishments in the heavyweight division speak for themselves. Byrd won world titles, defeated some of the best heavyweights of his era, and did so while giving up significant physical advantages to his opponents.
For boxing purists, Byrd represents the beauty of the "sweet science"—the ability to win fights with skill, strategy, and defense. His career serves as a reminder that boxing is not just about brute force but about technique and intelligence. While he may not be as celebrated as some of the heavyweight greats, Byrd’s contributions to the sport are undeniable.
Conclusion
Chris Byrd’s career may not have been filled with highlight-reel knockouts or flashy performances, but his success in the heavyweight division is a testament to his skill, determination, and defensive genius. As a two-time heavyweight champion, Byrd carved out a unique legacy in one of the most challenging weight classes in boxing, proving that brains can sometimes beat brawn in the ring.
Key Achievements:
Former IBF and WBO Heavyweight Champion
Defeated Vitali Klitschko, Evander Holyfield, and David Tua
Known for his defensive mastery and ring intelligence
Byrd’s place in boxing history is secure, not as a power puncher, but as a skilled tactician who used his mind and technique to outwit his opponents.
Chris Byrd is often overlooked in boxing history, but for those who have an understanding of the art of boxing, the technical aspect, the science, he is eye candy. His fight with the murderous punching David Tua is one of my favorite fights, Byrd put on a masterclass against a very dangerous opponent.
In what turned out to be a classic example of "styles making fights", the style of Chris Byrd was all wrong for David Tua. Byrd, the tricky - but also tough - southpaw, outboxed and outsmarted the heavy handed Tua for 12-rounds to win a well-deserved unanimous decision. This was not just a demonstration of the art of hitting and not being hit, it was also a demonstration of grit, determination, and inner strength on the part of the underdog Byrd. Tua did his best to put pressure on Byrd in every round. He dished out some heavy shots to the body, the sort of punches that weakened Hasim Rahman and led to Tua's 10th round stoppage of Rahman. But weaken Byrd? A little, yes, but not enough for Tua to be able to take control of the fight. Byrd admitted afterward that the body shots (which included some low blows) had taken a bit out of him, and he slowed down in the last two rounds, which Tua won on all three judges scorecards. But at that late stage of the fight, Tua needed to do more than win rounds - he needed to blast Byrd with big punches. And that, frankly, never looked close to happening. Even in the early rounds, when Tua was expected to be at his most dangerous, Byrd was in control of the fight. By the middle rounds, Byrd was outclassing Tua and almost playing with him. The pro-Byrd crowd that packed the New Cox Pavilion, next door to the Thomas & Mack center South of the famous Las Vegas strip, roared with delight as the southpaw knocked back Tua's head with straight lefts and, in the eighth, seemed to hurt Tua with left-hand drives to the body. Tua dropped his hands as if mocking Byrd's punching power, and sneered as if to say: "You can't hurt me." But Byrd was piling up points with his clean, accurate punching. It was obvious before the final bell that this wasn't going to be Tua's night.