Flint Northwestern High School
2016 Greater Flint African American Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
Category: Boxing
Chris grew up in the Hamady school district but ended up at Flint Northwestern High School where he graduated in 1989. Chris came from a boxing family. His father Joe Byrd was the U.S. Head Boxing coach for the 1992 Olympic games. Chris’ mother Rose received her coaching license and was able to work in Chris’ corner with her husband Joe. Chris’ amateur record was 267-24.
Chris turned professional on January 28, 1993, knocking out 10 of his first 13 opponents, as a super middle weight in 1994, Chris fought Gerald O’Neil after moving up the scale at cruiser weight winning his fight on a TKO in the second round. Chris’ boxing skills carried him all the way to the top and his biggest test was when he fought Arthur Williams, a giant heavy weight at 6’6, 260lb and heavy weight Tim Puller. Chris made his mark known in the heavy weight division surprising Puller with a 5-round TKO on national TV. Chris went on to win the IBF/USBA cross regional heavy weight title. In 2002 Chris won the IBF title against Evander Holyfield with a unanimous decision. Chris, you have made Flint proud.
