George eyes big opportunity to shine in bout against Byrd

With all the talk about Chris Byrd moving from heavyweight to light heavyweight, Shaun George has been the forgotten man in their fight Friday at Cox Pavilion.

George doesn't mind, because he said when the 10-round bout is over, everyone will be talking about him.

"At first, it bothered me," George said of Byrd getting all the attention for the main event of the Planet Hollywood-Banner Promotions card, to be televised nationally on ESPN. "But I realized you have to crawl before you can walk."

The 29-year-old Brooklyn, N.Y., native, 16-2-2 with seven knockouts in his eight-year pro career, knows this is his chance to make a name for himself. A former cruiserweight who has fought for the NABA title, George can look at some potential big paydays if he can stop Byrd, a former IBF and WBO heavyweight world champion.

"I've never been more serious or trained harder for a fight," George said. "I know what's at stake. It's up to me to take advantage of this opportunity."

For the first time in his career, George left New York to train for a fight. He has spent the past few weeks in Phoenix to work with trainer Tommy Brooks and spar with former world champions Antonio Tarver and Vassiliy Jirov.

"It's been nothing but boxing. No distractions," George said. "I've really been able to concentrate on the fight, and I'm in the best shape of my life. It was hard being away from home, but this is something I needed to do."

George said training with Tarver has helped him re-dedicate himself to boxing.

"I took boxing for granted," he said. "Antonio told me that you have to love everything you do.

"At first, I wasn't sure I was going to like Antonio. He talks a lot and he's kinda arrogant. But once I got to know him, I found he's nothing like that. He's a great guy, and he's been a big help to me preparing for this fight. He's mentored me and given me good advice."

Back in New York, George's wife, Casey, is pregnant with the couple's first child, due in September. That adds to George's motivation.

"We're going to have one more mouth to feed," he said. "That definitely helps me focus."

Byrd, a 51/2-1 favorite, said it would be easy to overlook George as he starts his run in the light heavyweight division. But he claims he won't.

"He's a good fighter, and I know he's going to bring his best," said Byrd (40-4-1 21 KOs). "He has great boxing skills, and he knows how to fight."

George knows he'll need to use those skills to the utmost if he hopes to be successful Friday. He said Byrd's awkward style won't be that big an obstacle for him.

"I've fought southpaws before," he said. "I can adapt to any style. What I want to do is put pressure on him, fight my fight and stay disciplined."

George said it has been fine flying under the radar. Now, it's time for him to emerge from the shadows and make history for himself.

"This is the fight I've been wanting for a long time," he said. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.