Chris Byrd vs. Andrew Golota

Chris Byrd vs. Andrew Golota, billed as "The Next Era Of Heavyweights", was a professional boxing match contested on April 17, 2004, for the IBF Heavyweight championship.

Background
Having won the vacant IBF title after getting a clear unanimous decision victory over Evander Holyfield in December 2002, Chris Byrd had only fought once since, defeating Fres Oquendo by a somewhat controversial decision in September 2003. He was nevertheless ranked as the 3rd best heavyweight by Ring Magazine at the end of year, behind only Lennox Lewis and Vitali Klitschko.

Byrd was set to make his second defence against Derrick Jefferson however he pulled out after suffering a cut in a tune-up bout with Julius Long in February, so he was matched up against former world title challenger Andrew Golota. Golota had returned from a near three-year absence in August 2003, scoring low profile TKO wins over journeyman Brian Nix and Terrence Lewis. He had subsequently signed with promoter Don King.

The bout was heavily criticized, given Golota's last notable fight was his bout against Mike Tyson in October 2000 where he pulled out after 3 rounds, with a concussion, a fractured left cheekbone and a herniated disc (although the result was subsequently amended to a no-contest following Tyson testing positive for marijuana). "I can think of 37 guys out there who are more worthy of a title shot" said Pat English, a lawyer for Main Events, who were promoting the IBF's No. 11 heavyweight, Dominick Guinn. "It's not just because I represent Dominick, and it's not because of Golota's past. It's the principle involved."

This was Golota's first return to Madison Square Garden since the infamous riot following his disqualification loss to Riddick Bowe in 	July 1996.

Undercard
On the first of the televised bouts, Wayne Braithwaite defended his WBC cruiserweight championship by a lopsided decision over Louis Azille.

The second bout saw former unified welterweight champion Ricardo Mayorga face late replacement Eric Mitchell. Mayorga had been set to challenge WBA (Regular) welterweight titleholder José Antonio Rivera; however, he weighted in $6 1/2$ pounds over the 147-pound limit and Rivera refused to fight him unless he made the limit. Mayorga would get a wide unanimous decision over Mitchell.

Ruiz vs. Oquendo
Having been promoted to full WBA champion following Roy Jones Jr.'s return to Light heavyweight, John Ruiz signed to the make his first defence against Fres Oquendo, who in his last bout lost a somewhat debatable decision against Chris Byrd. Both had been criticized for fighting dirty throughout their career.

The fight
The bout was marred by much wrestling and grabbing, which according to one unofficial count led to referee Wayne Kelly having to separate the fighters 62 different times. Both fighters were looking to establish their jab, but the repeated grappling prevented any flow to the bout. The 15,195 crowd booed consistency from the 1st round outward. In the 11th round Ruiz hurt Oquendo with a right hand that sent him on to the rope, following up before the referee waved it off. At the time of the stoppage, Ruiz led on two of scorecards 96–94, and the third was even at 95-95.

Speaking afterwards Ruiz said "I want to unify the title, I will fight anyone."

Main Event
The bout turned out to be far more competitive than predicted, with Golota the aggressor throughout and Byrd slipping and trying to land counter shots. At the end of 12 rounds Steve Weisfeld scored it 115-113 for Byrd, Tony Paolillo had 115-113 for Golota while Melvina Latham had it 114-114, meaning the bout Byrd kept his title with a split draw. Golota was visibly unhappy with the result saying "I'm glad you feel it was a great fight, but I thought I won the fight". Nevertheless he received praise for his performance and there were calls for a rematch.

Aftermath
A rematch was planned, however Byrd ended up facing his IBF mandatory challenger Jameel McCline, and Golota got a shot against Ruiz for the WBA title on the same card.

Undercard
Confirmed bouts: