What could have been? I don't tjomk he beats Lewis or either klit brother but think about the post Lewis era (aside from the klitschkos) I think with power he beats: Peter, Brewster, Maskaev, Rahman, Liakovich, finishes colors and beats Ruiz. Thoughts?
Interesting question, there's a good chance he even stops Holyfield. Real Deal was on the slide big time then, a fast, decent puncher could have definitely stopped him.
It depends on the other ways in which that additional power influenced his boxing. Is it being suggested that Byrd, with 'Holyfield-like' power brings the kind of offense that Holyfield did? Byrd had a defensive mindset. He was, in the main, a cautious counter-puncher. Even when he did, on occasion, go all-out offense, Byrd didn't look particularly special in doing so. Would added power help? Of course. Would it have revolutionized his offensive prowess - probably not.
It might have helped him in SOME fights but it also would have changed the dynamic of his entire style making him susceptible to being hit
He still wouldn't have Holyfield's chin. But in this case, i think he still loses to Wlad. I think Byrd might be able to sneak a decision vs Lewis 2002/3.
No certainly not but he was able to get his opponents respect. I feel that added pop would have defanetly made a difference for Byrd and he may have become at least a little more offensive minded in his approach
He certainly would have had a better chance of being competitive against Lewis in that specific timeframe
He'd still have a fairly similar style. Holyfield's power was respectable and above average but it wasn't the kind he could use to bail himself out of trouble or spark guys out. Byrd would be pretty scary even with Holyfield's power but not by a drastic amount. He'd still have to use his brain more than his brawn and be very cagey and technical to make the most of his abilities. Peter would be a very entertaining fight. I could see Byrd taking a close decision, especially with extra power. Might look like the James Toney fights. Brewster would slaughter him regardless. Bad matchup. Brewster would be willing to take 3 blows to land one and his hook would batter Byrd in the corner until he broke him down. Haven't seen Maskaev Rahman..hmm...not sure about that one. Byrd is already a tricky fight for him, but if you add Holy's power that is very winnable for Byrd. Byrd decisions Liakovich Beats Ruiz with or without extra power.
Aren't Brewster and Byrd cousins? Quite amazing how even cousins have such different genetics. Byrd with Brewster's power and chin (especially left hook) would be a threat to anyone in his era.