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Briggs Ready for Challenge!
September 4, 2006
By Andre Courtemanche
The drama is over for heavyweight contender Shannon Briggs (47-4-1, 41 KOs), now that his challenge for the WBO Heavyweight Championship has been confirmed for November 4. Going from the roller coaster ride of being promised a November 11 fight against IBF King Wladimir Klitschko that never materialized, to heavy training mode is something Briggs says he’ll have no problem doing. Briggs says he plans to deliver the excitement on November 4 and bring a heavyweight championship back to the United States.
Shannon congratulations, the Briggs vs. Liakhovich fight was announced on Showtime on Saturday, after the months of waiting how does it feel to be fighting for the title?
It feels great. In my opinion, all the public double and triple dealing and all the lies and threats from Shelly Finkel that I have gone through make me appreciate this opportunity even more. All I ever wanted was a shot. In addition to Scott Hirsch and all my team, I want to thank the World's greatest promoter, Don King, Sergei's manager Ivaylo Gotzev and Paco and all the great people at the WBO for making this possible. I truly appreciate this opportunity.
How do you see the fight going?
I have lots of respect for Sergei, he's the true heavyweight champion of the world, and he earned the WBO belt in the ring. He beat Brewster who beat Klitschko and that makes him the man. It's going to be an exciting fight while it lasts. I see lots of power punching and action with me taking him out in the mid rounds, this isn't going to be one of those boring Brock and Ibragimov fights. Like Toney vs. Peter and Liakhovich vs. Brewster, it's going to be another great heavyweight fight on Showtime.
Do you have to prepare differently to fight Sergei than to fight Wladimir?
The only difference is the sparring partners. I'll try to get guys similar in size and style to Sergei, other than that, everything is the same. I'm going to be training in altitude and I've made some great additions to my training staff. I'm going to be in the best shape of my life on November 4.
Does being an American contender when all four titles are held by Champions from the former Soviet Republics give you any extra incentive to win a title?
I don't need any extra incentive, but bringing the belts back to the USA is very important to me. Rahman was supposed to be the last line of defense; well I'm the first line of offense. I'm bringing the belt back to Brooklyn, back to Brownsville where it belongs.
You are one of the most talked about fighters in boxing. What do you have to say to your many fans and to your critics?
I want to thank all my loyal fans out there. I love them, they are the greatest. I can't even keep up with all my email and action on My Space. For my critics, I got nothing but love as well. I'm going to prove them all wrong and turn them in to believers on November 4.
September 4, 2006
By Andre Courtemanche
The drama is over for heavyweight contender Shannon Briggs (47-4-1, 41 KOs), now that his challenge for the WBO Heavyweight Championship has been confirmed for November 4. Going from the roller coaster ride of being promised a November 11 fight against IBF King Wladimir Klitschko that never materialized, to heavy training mode is something Briggs says he’ll have no problem doing. Briggs says he plans to deliver the excitement on November 4 and bring a heavyweight championship back to the United States.
Shannon congratulations, the Briggs vs. Liakhovich fight was announced on Showtime on Saturday, after the months of waiting how does it feel to be fighting for the title?
It feels great. In my opinion, all the public double and triple dealing and all the lies and threats from Shelly Finkel that I have gone through make me appreciate this opportunity even more. All I ever wanted was a shot. In addition to Scott Hirsch and all my team, I want to thank the World's greatest promoter, Don King, Sergei's manager Ivaylo Gotzev and Paco and all the great people at the WBO for making this possible. I truly appreciate this opportunity.
How do you see the fight going?
I have lots of respect for Sergei, he's the true heavyweight champion of the world, and he earned the WBO belt in the ring. He beat Brewster who beat Klitschko and that makes him the man. It's going to be an exciting fight while it lasts. I see lots of power punching and action with me taking him out in the mid rounds, this isn't going to be one of those boring Brock and Ibragimov fights. Like Toney vs. Peter and Liakhovich vs. Brewster, it's going to be another great heavyweight fight on Showtime.
Do you have to prepare differently to fight Sergei than to fight Wladimir?
The only difference is the sparring partners. I'll try to get guys similar in size and style to Sergei, other than that, everything is the same. I'm going to be training in altitude and I've made some great additions to my training staff. I'm going to be in the best shape of my life on November 4.
Does being an American contender when all four titles are held by Champions from the former Soviet Republics give you any extra incentive to win a title?
I don't need any extra incentive, but bringing the belts back to the USA is very important to me. Rahman was supposed to be the last line of defense; well I'm the first line of offense. I'm bringing the belt back to Brooklyn, back to Brownsville where it belongs.
You are one of the most talked about fighters in boxing. What do you have to say to your many fans and to your critics?
I want to thank all my loyal fans out there. I love them, they are the greatest. I can't even keep up with all my email and action on My Space. For my critics, I got nothing but love as well. I'm going to prove them all wrong and turn them in to believers on November 4.
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