IBF heavyweight champion Chris Byrd sucessfully defended his title with a twelve round split decision over Jameel McCline Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. The 270lb McCline, who came into the ring with a 56lb advantage advantage, dropped Byrd with a right hand at the end of round two and tried to take Byrd out with an all out assault in round three, however Byrd weathered the storm. By round four, however, McCline began to slow down although he continued to pound on the champion. By round seven, Byrd's quickness became more of a factor as he began to pepper the rapidly tiring McCline with combinations through round nine. McCline had a good round ten, trapping Byrd on the ropes and connecting with some hard shots. Byrd came back in the eleventh and rocked McCline then won round twelve, also. Scores were 114-112 McCline, 115-112, 114-113 Byrd.
-fightnews.com
Damn, thats 3 close/controversial decision wins in a row for Byrd...