By Ruslan Chikov
Vitali Klitschko is not looking past his next defense of the WBC title. The three-time heavyweight titlist returns on October 16 in Germany against former champion Shannon Briggs.
Klitschko (40-2, 38KO) spoke from his training camp in the Austrian Alps about the upcoming fight.
Q: How many videos have you watched of Shannon's fights?
VK: "I have closely followed his career. I remember how in 1998, Briggs challenged for the WBC title fight against Lennox Lewis. I think, I've seen, at least 15 fights of Shannon."
Q: What do you think if the fight lasts more than five rounds? Will Shannon not last in the fight because of a possible asthma attack?
VK: "In addition to Briggs, I know many boxers who - in spite of asthma - became world champions. This is not a deadly disease. Look at his fights, and you will understand that asthma - it's just a good excuse."
Q: What is your strategy for the fight?
VK: "Each athlete when preparing for a fight is considering a Plan A, Plan B, Plan C and so on. A boxer is trying to be prepared for the development of various events in the ring. I'm no exception. Before the battle, it is very difficult to predict how it will evolve.”
Q: Have you set a goal in the Briggs fight to improve your KO percentage?
VK: "Of course, I'll do anything to win early. But I am also willing to go the full distance fight - boxing all twelve rounds. Now I'm a world champion and I'll remain as the world champion after the fight with Briggs.”