We're talking Byrd at his peak right? Not the guy who slowed down and struggled with Fres Oquendo and Andrew Golota, right? Because that version of Byrd had speed to burn, a ton of ring IQ, and all the heart in the world. He wasn't perfect but he has the tools to win this one. Briggs had no shortage of talent, and he did well to comeback into contention and beat Sergei Liakovich, but the guy's career was a disapointment.
Byrd wins without a doubt. Byrd beat few boxers who were WAY better than Shannon Briggs - Vitali Klitschko, David Tua, old Holyfield, Jameel McCline. He drew with Golota, who was miles ahead of Briggs in terms of boxing ability, being the same size. Byrd defeated Klitschko and McCline - two guys who THOROUGHLY dominated Shannon Briggs (he won just 1 round against McCline). On the other hand, Shannon Briggs never ever beat anyone on Byrd's level. By the way, prime Shannon Briggs once met slick boxer, who was far lesser than Byrd, Cedrick Fields. Guess what? Fields outboxed Briggs and won the fight. Byrd when close to his prime lost only to Ibeabuchi and Wlad. Briggs when close to prime got beaten by Darroll Wilson and Cedrick Fields. Byrd takes it.
That is what I mean when I say overrated.Byrd had close calls with likes of Golota, Mc Cline and Oquendo.And willamson if I remember correctly
da bird and honestly might even stop a young briggs who had a severe gassing issue.... briggs would be all over him early and gasses and maybe stopped in 8th or 9th older briggs would easily go the distance with any verison of byrd but would lose a ud
