 Byrd (left) was giving away 56 pounds to McCline |
Chris Byrd survived a knockdown to take a split decision against Jameel McCline and retain his IBF heavyweight crown at New York's Madison Square Garden. Giving away 56 pounds and several inches, Byrd was floored in the second round and needed all of his skills to come through a torrid encounter.
Byrd came on strong in the later rounds although it is arguable whether he did enough to win the fight.
Two judges had it 115-112 and 114-113 for Byrd, another 114-112 for McCline.
"The way I fought back showed I am a true champion," said Byrd.
"I had to dig down. I definitely did enough to win the fight. I am a champion."
McCline said: "He has fast hands and he took me out of my game plan. That was the difference."
Byrd, who weighed 214 pounds to McCline's 270 pounds, was sent to the canvas in the second round from a McCline right hand.
The 34-year-old champion continued to take punishment from an aggressive McCline and was trailing badly after five rounds, before beginning to find his mark with quick inside combinations.
It was the third title defence for southpaw Byrd, and the third fight that was close until the end.
In his last fight, he retained the title with a draw over Andrew Golota.
Byrd (38-2-1) didn't have the power to knock McCline down but stood and traded punches in the later rounds, getting the better of the bigger man in almost every exchange.
MMIX
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Fallen warrior