Like most professional boxers, heavyweight Maurice “Freight Train” Byarm never thought about what it’d be like to lose.
The Washington, DC based Philadelphian stopped 9 of his first 13 opponents and was named one of the best prospects in the beltway region. Still, Byarm, who had less than 15 amateur fights, was learning on the job. Between his work ethic and sparring quality fighters such as Tony Thompson, Byarm made notable improvements with every fight. In his final bout of 2011, the crowd-pleasing 29-year-old stopped veteran Clinton Boldridge in 74 seconds and planned to step up the competition.
Earlier this year, Byarm got his opportunity; albeit under far different circumstances than he imagined.
On January 21 before a nationally televised audience on the NBC Sports Network, Byarm dropped a competitive decision to fellow American heavyweight Bryant Jennings in a bout that both men took on five days notice. The loss was unexpected, but he considered it a learning experience.
“The Jennings fight taught me that I had to be more patient and stick to my game plan,” said Byarm. “I wanted to impose my will on him but his defense and movement were very good and I didn’t make the adjustments my team discussed.”
Luckily, Byarm can prove that he’s amongst America’s top heavyweights when he challenges highly touted Magomed Abdusalamov at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV Friday, July 6 on ESPN 2’s Friday Night Fights. Like Jennings, Abdusalamov is yet to taste defeat, winning all 14 of his bouts by knockout. The 6’3 Russian’s last three opponents were a combined 34-1 and his most recent victory, a four round destruction of previously unbeaten Jason Pettaway, earned him the WBC USNBC title.
“He’s a decent fighter but I’ve seen a lot of flaws,” Byarm said of Abdusalamov. “I’m going to fight my fight and we’ve got a good game plan this time around. His record and knockouts don’t’ mean much to me because he hasn’t fought anybody of my caliber. He has punching power but I have punching power too. I know my will to win this fight is much higher than his. This will be my shot to show the world what I truly have to offer!”
The 10-round southpaw showdown between Byarm and Abdusalamov is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
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