FORMER heavyweight champion Chris Byrd has vowed to make a comeback to win the middleweight title, aged 50.
The 1992 Olympic silver medallist has undergone an incredible body transformation ahead of his return to the ring.
Chris Byrd has been training hard in the gym ahead of his comeback
The American has showed off his shredded physique after slimming down to just 163lbs.
Speaking on Instagram, Byrd insisted he is still capable of competing at the highest level.
He said: “What am I known for? Slickness, speed and reflexes.
“It’s still there. I’m telling you. At 50 years old, look at my body. It’s on.
“Who is going to hang with the old man? Nobody can hang with the old man. I got energy all day.
“I will be a middleweight champion definitely. Let’s get it.”
Byrd dominated the heavyweight division during his career, but suffered with a number of health problems as a result of fighting way above his natural weight.
Despite weighing in at 169lbs for his debut in 1993, he tipped the scales at 207lbs by 1994 after gorging on unhealthy foods to make the weight.
Chris Byrd has not fought in the ring since 2009 Credit: AP:Associated Press
He said: “Nobody wanted to fight me at middleweight, so I ate my weight up to heavyweight.
“Due to this, I paid for it. I went through eleven years of suffering.
“A few years ago, I couldn’t even move my feet apart.
“The pain in my left leg was so bad that I just wanted to cut the whole off some day.
“I had to make drastic changes and choices in life to get where I am today.”
Byrd now eats a plant-based diet after ditching wheat, sugar and dairy.
The 6″ 2′ southpaw has not fought since his win over Matthis Sandow in 2009.
He hung up his gloves with an incredible record of 41-5-1 including 22 knockouts.
Chris Byrd has vowed to win the middleweight world title
The American is known for stopping Vitali Klitschko in the ninth round in 2000 to win the WBO title.
But he lost to his brother Wladimir in 2000 and again in 2006.
Now that he’s back in action, Byrd wants to show his fans that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
The 50-year-old, who has now a bushy grey beard, said: “I want to show people that it’s never too late to accomplish your goals and live out your dreams.
“My reflexes are razor sharp, my strength is phenomenal. I’m more focused than I’ve been.
“I feel I’m ready to make a return to the ring. With the help and guidance of Split-T Boxing, I hope to make it a reality.”
A number of former fighters have been inspired to dust off their gloves following Mike Tyson’s return.
Iron Mike will make his highly-anticipated comeback against Roy Jones Jr on November 28 at the age of 54.
The American lost to Wladimir Klitschko in 2000Credit: Reuters
Wladimir Klitschko is ordered back to his corner after flooring Chris ByrdCredit: Reuters
Roy Jones Jr confirms fight with Mike Tyson to have just two-minute rounds as WBC fear for veterans’ safety
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
