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Briggs: "I am going for the knockout in the 1st round and bring the title back"
B-xing Talk Interview With Shannon Briggs
Shannon Briggs updates us on his upcoming world title fight against current IBF Heavyweight Champion, Wladimir Klitschko. Briggs also gives us his thoughts on the Hasim Rahman vs Oleg Maskaev Heavyweight title fight that took place last night in L
BT - Big Briggs, what's up man ?
SB - I'm chillin Brad, I am recovering from the Hasim Rahman fight. Like I told you awhile ago, and some people are using my quote, especially HBO, I am the great black hope once again (laughs).
BT - Let's talk about the Hasim Rahman fight now that you brought it up. Give me your thoughts on the fight, and how important is it for you to have the opportunity to bring the Heavyweight title back to
SB - It's really important, but I'm not looking at this from a racial standpoint. Everybody comes here from another country at one point or another. Oleg is an American too, but at the same time I am looking forward to not only putting
BT - What are your thoughts on the Hasim Rahman fight Shannon?
SB - I thought Hasim was the aggressor, and I thought he could have won the fight easily walking away with just the jab. . Here is a guy in Hasim Rahman that lost to Holyfield, stopped by Tua, stopped by Lewis, other than knocking out Lewis what has he done? Give me a shot at the Heavyweight title, you know what I mean ? Oleg Maskaev's 37 years old, and his only real accomplishment was over Rahman. To me, they both looked terrible, they looked amateurish. Rahman could have won the fight with just his jab, and if he would have just listened to his trainer he would have won, Rahman chose to mix it up, and got caught again. When Rahman got hurt Brad, what did he do? He walked right to the guy, instead of trying to tie the guy up, it was crazy. Rahman should have just won the fight, walk away with the jab, and look good in the next one, just like the great Lou Duva always said.
BT - Some of the boxing writers are beginning to think that you can beat Wladimir Klitschko.
SB - Well listen let me start with this, Shelly Finkel told me this fight is 1000 percent done.This is a great fight for television, for New York, and for the fans. Wladmir and I both have 40 plus knockouts, and we are two big Heavyweights that will clash in the ring. As far as some of the writers beginning to sway in my favor, I appreciate them. I like the true people like yourself Brad, that have understood before hand that I meant business, and I am back. My goal is to knock this guy out, and when they raise my hand and announce me as the new IBF Heavyweight Champion of The World, it's going to be a different day baby.
BT - Shannon has both sides signed this fight ?
SB - They signed two weeks ago, Wladimir himself signed it.I am ready, I have earned this shot, I kept busy with 11 wins straight, so why can't I have my shot ? Give me my shot and let me wake up on November 12th as the Heavyweight Champ also, Maskaev got his shot, now give me mine.
BT - So Wladimir signed, and you signed, so this fight looks like it's a done deal, no?
SB - Yea it's going to happen, there was just some minor things that we had to work out. Shelly Finkel is a great person for getting me this opportunity. This is a very appealing fight for the public, two guys with knockout power. I need this shot, I am hungry, and we have to have this title back in Brooklyn, it's up to me.
BT- You bring in Jeff Mayweather, talk about Jeff.
SB - Jeff is a very humble, and intelligent person, and you have to respect that. Jeff is all about positive energy, and I like I told you once before Brad, I am all about positive energy. Jeff is very smart in the boxing game, and it's a pleasure to have him on board.
BT - Shannon you have admitted to me before that your game isn't about stamina, you're about knocking people out. Is it your game-plan to get in there and go for the knockout against Klitschko ?
SB - Definitely, without question. I am going for the knockout in the 1st round Brad. I have no choice but to go for the knockout!
BT - Talk to your fans Shannon.
SB - It's going to be a great night of boxing on November 11th. I am looking forward to having NYC behind me, I am 34 yrs old now, I am looking for the whole world to see who I am, and I am going to take the Heavyweight Title back to Brooklyn!
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