Boxing News: Byrd-Klitschko Collide in Mannheim, Germany

IBF heavyweight champion Chris Byrd (39-2-1, 20 KOs) returns to action and defends his title against former WBO heavyweight champion and top-ten contender Wladimir Klitschko (45-3, 40 KOs) on April 22 in Mannheim, Germany, in a fight broadcast on HBO.

These two pugilists met have met before. On October 14, 2000 at the Kolnarena in Koln, Germany, Klitschko defended his crown with a 12-round unanimous decision victory. His career has been up-and-down since then, but now it’s up again after K’s big win over the previously undefeated Nigerian Nightmare, Sam Peter, in Atlantic City on September 24.

Since winning the IBF title against Evander Holyfield on December 14, 2002 at Boardwalk Hall in A.C., Byrd has successfully defended his belt four times, against Fres Oquendo, Andrew Golota, Jameel McCline and, October 1 of last year, DaVarryl Williamson.

The Byrd-Klitschko IBF/IBO heavyweight championship bout will be aired on HBO World Championship Boxing on Saturday Night April 22nd.