Byrd vs Oquendo who wins.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 17 Sep 2003, 19:30

This Saturday Chris Byrd will be defending his IBF Heavyweight title for the first time.

After the speculation of who will the first opponent (Jones, Rahman) we had to settle for Fres Oquendo. While there are certainly better fighters available its not a terrible first defence opponent.

It could be an intriguing fight, Byrd is in his 30's now and hasn't faught for 10 months, will this effect his performance. After all he's a fighter who relies on speed and reflexes.

Oquendo bust onto the scene about 3 years ago with an upset win over fringe contendor Clifford Etteine. He followed up that victory with an impressive run before being halted by Tua after being confortably ahead after 9 rounds. However, since then he struggled against the talented, but hardly a world beater in Mo Harries.

So will Byrd's inactive and age cost him in this fight, will start taking the punches he once could slip. Is Oquendo to big for him, Oquendo was also probably doing a better job against Tua than Byrd was before the KO will he suprise us all and outbox Byrd.

All questions that will be answered on Saturday.

My Pick is that the Harries fight showed that Oquendo can be handled fairly easy and that Byrd being a heavyweight should have a couple of his best years left in him. Byrd's got a proven chin so I doubt Oquendo can nail the KO blow.

So my pick is, while the fight might have some interesting patches and Bookmakers prices for Oquendo is tempting I think Byrd will outslick him and win a confortable and wide UD.

Any thoughts.

Dave1armedTua · Post by **Dave1armedTua** » 17 Sep 2003, 23:55

Should be an easy win for Byrd. He is never out of shape, despite long lay offs. I saw him 2 weeks ago, he still looked great. Based on the similar opponents they have both faced, I'm going with an easy UD or possible mid/late TKO for Byrd.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 18 Sep 2003, 03:37

Oquendo really struggled against Maurice Harris but at least demonstrated that he can pull out a jackpot punch when he needs to. Byrd has to be a big favourite though. Oquendo isn't a massive heavyweight either so I can't see him trapping Byrd and battering him to defeat.

The only deliberation I have is whether a pumped up Byrd could force a late stoppage over a demoralised Oquendo down the stretch. He'll probably settle for points I expect.