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.

[4] Golota had returned from a near three-year absence in August 2003, scoring low profile TKO wins over journeyman Brian Nix and Terrence Lewis.

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

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.

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.

[13][14][15] A rematch was planned,[16] 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.