Garnet Hart vs. Walter Byars

Garnet Hart 146 lbs lost to Walter Byars 145 lbs by UD in round 10 of 10

• Date: 1957-03-08
• Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, USA
• Referee: Ruby Goldstein 2-6
• Judge: Bill Recht 2-8
• Judge: Joe Agnello 3-7

“With odds of 4-1 against him, chunky Walter Byars, 144 ¾, Roxbury, Mass. uncovered a stunning upset by bulling his way to a unanimous decision over rangy, stylish Garnett (Sugar) Hart, 145 ¾, Philadelphia. It was an exciting ten in Madision Square Garden. It was Byars’ first showing outside his native New England, and Hart’s debut in the Garden, although New Yorkers and the TV clientele had previously seen him score four knockouts at St. Nicholas Arena. Byars’ apparent disadvantages in height and reach were turned into distinct advantages by the New Englander. His crouching style and turtle-like defense made him a difficult target for Hart to hit. Most of the Philadlphian’s punches either swished harmlesley over the ducking Byars or were blocked by his tight defense of arms and gloves. Byars fought a cool heady bout, plodding constantly forward, bobbing and weaving under Hart’s punches, lashing out when openings presented themselves, and scoring with looping lefts and rights to Hart’s head.” Ringside report by Ring magazine’s Jersey Jones.