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Paul Briggs today(March 18) announced that he has beaten his health issues and is back in full training preparing for his first fight at Super Middleweight in June.
Speaking from his home on the Gold Coast Briggs spoke of his intention to compete at Super Middleweight and feels confident that he can secure a world title shot later this year.
Opponents on his radar include American Jeff Lacey and Anthony Mundine is firmly on his radar. With Joe Calzaghe set to relinquish his super middleweight Titles it will open the division up and provide more opportunities said manager Stuart Duncan.
“We have a date put aside of June 27 and we are looking at a number of possible opponents including Antwun Echols and Yusef Mack,” said Duncan. “Its early days and Paul’s first fight back from a 12 month lay off so we want a warm up against a credible opponent and will take another fight in the USA hopefully in September or October on a Don King Promotion in the USA. Both Echols & Mack are credible opponents where Paul can get rid of the rust as both are capable of going the full distance. We have already spoken with the Mundine camp.”
Regarding a proposed match-up with Mundine Paul Briggs said: “I have proven my willingness to take on all comers and have given a great account of myself every time I enter the ring. Early in my career I went straight into better caliber local opponents including Daniel Rowsell who, was 12-1 in my sixth fight who I defeated in five rounds then two fights later I was up against the big punching Adrian Bellin who was 15-3. I stopped him in eight rounds. I then went onto Glen Kelly who was 28-1 with his only defeat at the hands of Roy Jones Jnr, who stopped him in seven rounds and I went onto stop him in four.
“Once I had defeated the best of the locals I took on former WBA Champ Jorge Castro who’s record read a massive 122 wins from 130 outings. I then traveled abroad to take on the best in my division facing Thomas Adamek twice in close wars for the WBC Light Heavyweight Title. Now with my move down to Super Middleweight nothings changed – I want the best and if Mundine thinks he’s the best then bring it on. I am happy and prepared to travel to his back yard – however if it’s a fight in the USA he wants then Don King would be only to happy to arrange for this. I am not about to trash talk or attempt to belittle Choc - just a simple message “Put up or shut up”
“ I’m here and will be having a warm up fight in June and will be ready anytime beyond that. I told Stu Duncan I don’t want an easy warm up fight – get me someone I can get some rounds in with and then we’ll start looking towards a World Title shot at Super Middle. I don’t care who I have to fight to get my shot at a World Title – Jurgen Brahmer – Jeff Lacey – Lucian Bute or where I have to travel to face them just bring it on
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