Byrd Passes Out then Hospitalized
Posted by Ramon Aranda on 05.17.2008
Chris Byrd has a scary moment after his loss to Shaun George.
Photo by Mary Ann Owen
In a scary moment, an unconscious former heavyweight champion Chris Byrd was rushed to a Las Vegas hospital Friday night shortly after his shocking and unexpected KO loss to Shaun George. Byrd reportedly became unresponsive when a combination of valium and morphine were administered in his dressing room to relieve pain from a dislocated shoulder. Happily he was later revived and released from Valley Hospital. It appears, however, that the loss to George may have been the 37-year-old Byrd's last fight.
"I'm not letting him fight anymore," Byrd's wife Tracey told fight scribe Tim Smith. And should Byrd have any notion of boxing again, Tracey warned, "He would have to try to do it without my support, and I don't think he wants to do that!"
Sad ending for Byrds career. He was always a smart and intelligent fighter. I have to agree with his wife - he needs to hang the boots up, he could be a great trainer and i hope he pursues this in his post boxing life.
Posted By: Craig (Guest) on May 17, 2008 at 02:28 PM
I agree with the above poster on those points. I was pumped all week long to see if he could have a happy ending in the light heavyweight division but it didn't work out that way. I hope I see Chris Byrd in a commentating capacity soon.
Posted By: Unplugged (Guest) on May 17, 2008 at 08:49 PM
It really is a shame, I really was looking forward to seeing two former heavyweight champs square off in Jones vs byrd. The fight made total sense to take place. I also do agree that Mr. Byrd would make a great trainer.
Posted By: frankie (Guest) on May 18, 2008 at 10:03 PM
I too was hoping to see Byrd do well at light heavy but alas, his body wouldn't let him. He just didn't have it anymore. I think Byrd would do great as a trainer as you mention Frankie as well as doing color commentating. Byrd is excellent on the mic and in front of the cameras. Here's hoping he recovers quickly.
Posted By: Ramon Aranda (Registered) on May 19, 2008 at 03:15 AM
In a scary moment, an unconscious former heavyweight champion Chris Byrd was rushed to a Las Vegas hospital Friday night shortly after his shocking and unexpected KO loss to Shaun George. Byrd reportedly became unresponsive when a combination of valium and morphine were administered in his dressing room to relieve pain from a dislocated shoulder. Happily he was later revived and released from Valley Hospital. It appears, however, that the loss to George may have been the 37-year-old Byrd's last fight.
