BBC SPORT | Boxing | Holyfield heavier for big fight

Evander Holyfield weighed in six pounds heavier than opponent Chris Byrd for this Saturday's world heavyweight title fight.

The pair are fighting for the vacant IBF title and Byrd will enter the ring at 214lbs.

At 40-years-old, Holyfield is conceding eight years to his southpaw opponent, who has a reputation for being very difficult to hit.

But Holyfield reckons he has the ring smarts to outwit Byrd on the night.

"It's a mental game with him, not so much a physical game," he said.

"You can get frustrated because you're not able to hit him with good shots you think you should be able to. He plays a psychology role."

Holyfield's weight advantage will not worry Byrd who has beaten bigger men before, including Vitali Klitschko of the Ukraine and New Zealand's David Tua.

Evander Holyfield in action against Hasin Rahman in June
Holyfield's last fight was in June

"I watched tapes of Byrd and I never thought he would fight the Klitschko boys the way he fought them," said Holyfield.

"He fought them and they were a lot bigger and stronger."

Former silver Olympic medallist Byrd, said he feels his opponent is past his prime.

"He's been through a lot of wars," he said.

"His reflexes aren't the same."

The ambitious Byrd added that he wanted to join the greats in heavyweight hall of fame.

"The title is great, but getting major fights and proving that I'm the best in the world is the whole key in my career," he said.

"One time in my career, I want to say, 'I was the best heavyweight in the world.' And that's what I've been trying to prove my whole career."

Holyfield brings a record of 38 victories, five defeats and two draws to the bout, while Byrd has 35 victories and two defeats.


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