Long faded heavyweight loudmouth Shannon Briggs (58-6-1, 51ko), currently on a 7 fight win streak against low level opposition, seems to think that if he wins his fight against unheralded club fighter Michael Marrone on Saturday night, then it somehow strengthens his case for a shot at dominant lineal champion Wladimir Klitschko (64-3, 53ko).
Briggs, who was famously brutalized, hospitalized and ‘retired’ by Wladimir’s brother Vitali in 2010, launched something of a meaningless comeback last year, and instead of trying to work himself into position for a shot at any one of Wlad’s WBO/IBF or WBA (sup) titles, seems to think ‘pester power’ and being a professional irritant, is the most viable way to secure himself a shot.
“Klitschko is going down hard. I want the title back. I had the title twice but I was young and I was inexperienced and immature. Who would have ever thought that Shannon Briggs grew up? And I feel good. I have a little gray hair on my chin but I feel fifteen years younger than I am.”
The obnoxious American, who conducts himself in stark contrast to Wladimir’s gentlemanly demeanor, last briefly held a portion of the championship for 7 months between ’06-’07, and added;
“Everybody is going to think, ‘wow, I thought he was just this guy having fun and laughing’. The heavyweight division is back…and I am ready to take over the heavyweight division.”
Quite why Briggs wants a shot at Klitschko is beyond most right-thinking fans, who can see he would clearly be mauled in similar fashion to the 2010 beating he received at Vitali’s hands. He does however hold a ridiculous #5 rating with the equally ridiculous WBA – who insist on 3 tiers of champion per class, which goes some way to explaining it, as he is (correctly) not ranked top #15 with any of the other major sanctioning bodies.
Perhaps if he is serious about trying to regain a portion of the heavyweight title, then oft criticised WBC champion Deontay Wilder would surely be the way to go? He is, after all, the perceived weak link if you want a title, though is expected to hold onto the strap only until January, when he will face dangerous mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin, quite possibly in Russia.
Briggs however, asserts Wilder doesn’t want to fight him either, which given his recent opposition is hardly a surprise!
“Wilder didn’t want the fight,” Briggs said. “My partner Kris offered him $2m and he wouldn’t take it. Al Haymon call me right now. I’m ready champ!”
Make of all that what you will……
Twitter @Undilutedpoison
