Byrd retains IBF title

RENO – Chris Byrd retained his International Boxing Federation heavyweight title here Saturday with a listless decision over DaVarryl Williamson, but it was James Toney who looked like a heavyweight force.

Southpaw Byrd posted a 12-round unanimous decision to improve to 39-2 with one drawn and 20 knockouts. But the slow-motion tactical battle – which had fans jeering – will do little to raise his stock as a drawing card among the heavyweight ranks.In a fight between two long-time sparring partners that was marked by a dearth of action, two judges gave it to Byrd 116-112 while a third made it 115-113 for the champion, who was fighting for the first time in nearly a year.Byrd, who made his fourth defence of the title, blamed his rocky relations with promoter Don King for the lengthy idle spell and resultant ring rust.-Nampa-AFPBut the slow-motion tactical battle – which had fans jeering – will do little to raise his stock as a drawing card among the heavyweight ranks.In a fight between two long-time sparring partners that was marked by a dearth of action, two judges gave it to Byrd 116-112 while a third made it 115-113 for the champion, who was fighting for the first time in nearly a year.Byrd, who made his fourth defence of the title, blamed his rocky relations with promoter Don King for the lengthy idle spell and resultant ring rust.-Nampa-AFP