EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: CHRIS BYRD

GL: How has everything been going for your October 27 bout with Povetkin? "It's been good. I'm just training hard and camp is going real good. I'm in fighting shape right now and I'm ready to go."

GL: How do you feel about the majority of the big name Russians postponing and pulling out of fights?

Chris Byrd: "It's unfortunate because the fights that were being made were good match-ups. Klitschko pulls out and then Jameel is supposed to fight DaVarryl, then Maskaev pulls out and Jameel gets a shot at the title, so it worked out pretty good for him."

GL: In your opinion, are the Klitschko's involved in many a postponement due to steroid use?

CB: (laughs) "Hey, I don't know. I bet that most of the division, no the sport, are on something. Who knows? I'm going to put anybody out there because I don't have any hardcore evidence, but hey whatever happens, happens. We're in the era of illegal drugs and stuff happens. One man's unfortunate circumstances is another man's glory."

GL: Is a fight with you too much too soon for Povetkin?

CB: "I wouldn't say that, because when I was 13, 14-0 I wanted to fight Lennox Lewis and I thought he was ready. For him, hey, he feels like he's hungry and he's ready. He's never went twelve rounds, but he's going up against the toughest style he's ever faced. I'm a fighter and I'm going to fight whoever they put in front of me. He has the same attitude and I give him props for that, but he's going to have to figure out how he's going to deal with the mental challenge."

GL: Is this a do or die fight for you? Can you once again reach the mountaintop without a victory in this fight?

CB: "I want to get to the mountaintop by winning every fight and fighting myself there. Every fight on this level is do or die because of my age. I'm training right now like I was the champion and this is a title fight. Every fight is do or die because I have to win to get into the mix. I don't want to be the kind of guy to get my shot because someone falls out, I want to fight my way there. I've done it before and I felt great doing it. The IBF is doing a great thing, having the top four guys fight their way to the title shot and that's what I want to do. If I want to get back to Wladimir Klitschko, I want to do it this way."

GL: Who do you like in Brock-Chambers?

CB: "It's a great fight, a pick-em. You got one guy with speed and good talent. Calvin Brock is smart will good balance and it should be an excellent fight."

GL: Can we expect you to once again utilize the boxing style you were most successful with on October 27?

CB: "I really don't know and I won't know until I get into the ring. It's all about adapting. Whoever my opponent is we'll see. I can bring it to him and wear him out or I can outbox him. And I'm small right now, I'm 210 pounds right now and I could win this fight more than one way because I have the skills to do so. But at the same time if someone wants to trade and fight with me, I'm not one to back down from anyone. I'm in great shape and I'm ready to go twenty rounds. I'm smart in the ring and I'm capable of adapting to any fighter so I don't know what I'll be doing until I get in there."

GL: Is there anything you'd like to say in closing?

CB: "As always, thanks for sticking by me through thick and thin. I'm trying to get back to the mountaintop and become champion, and this is the first step. Stay on the bandwagon, because I will fight for and win the titel again."