The win is regarded as a major upset for the American. Klitschko had won all of his previous 27 professional fights inside the distance.

Byrd, 31-1, was to fight Adolpho Washington today but accepted the chance to fight Klitschko as a late substitute for Donovan "Razor" Ruddock, who pulled out because of a stomach muscle injury.

The 1992 Olympic silver medalist gave away 34 pounds and six inches to the 6-foot-8 Klitschko, who appeared to be completely puzzled by the American's ducking and bobbing.

"I myself didn't expect to win," Byrd said.

"I want to apologize to all my fans, but I have a sore left shoulder and I couldn't go on," Klitschko said after losing the WBO title he won from Britain's Herbie Hide last June.

"It had pain since the third round. I hit with heavy pain," Klitschko said.

Before his injury forced him to quit, Klitschko, 28, had experienced problems against the left-handed Byrd. Klitschko was never really in trouble but could not exploit his huge advantage in reach against his smaller but more mobile opponent.

By the end of the fight, the crowd was cheering Byrd, who backed up Klitschko in several rounds with a flurry of punches and taunted him.

"I knew I had a chance," said Byrd. "Nobody wants to fight me because I make good fighters look bad."

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