Miami, FL (January 10,2006) By Laz Izada: Get ready South Florida fight fans, the heavyweight division should be an exciting one in 2006. Now that Vitali Klitschko has retired, which heavyweight will emerge ahead of the pack? Veteran heavyweight basher Shannon Briggs who defeated Foreman in ‘97, wants part of the action. He has recently returned to the ring with a vengeance, looking for another title shot..
He has 9 straight overpowering knockout victories, 5 of those 9 being within the past year. In August of 2005 he knocked out Ray Mercer, 34-5-1, in the 7th round of their bout. Most recently in December of 2005, he knocked out Luciano Zolyone, who was 20-0 at the time, in 16 seconds of the 1st round. January’s upcoming rankings should have Briggs placed in the top ten at all major ranking organizations. He attributes his current success to being, “more focused, wiser, stronger, and a settled down, family man.”
While Briggs and his camp, as well as fight fans, anxiously await a match in the works with Samuel (the Nigerian Nightmare) Peter 25-1 (24 KO’s), in 2006, Briggs must first take on Chris Koval on the 27th of January at the Miccosukee Resort & Gaming in Miami. A Felix “Tuto” Zabala Jr. Promotion.
Koval, known as Special K, a 23 year old and from Youngstown, Ohio, comes in with an impressive record of 23-2 (18 KO’s). His toughest fight was a unanimous decision loss to 6’7” Ukrainian Alexander Dimitrenko 20-0 (12 KO’s), in Germany, in March 2005. The bout was for the vacant IBF Youth Heavyweight Title. To Koval’s credit in the loss, he went the distance and knocked down Dimitrenko in the 2nd round, and was the only one to do so. Koval must also be commended for stepping up to the plate against feared Briggs. This fight against Briggs that Koval took, was turned down by 9 notable heavyweights, with Calvin Brock and David Tua being the highest ranked. Briggs said that ranked contenders are avoiding him because they know that he’s truly “back in shape, focused, and dedicated this time around”.
The stakes are high for both Briggs and Koval, and this should be an exciting matchup. Briggs looking for another knockout and future title shot, and Koval looking to bring down another big man and winning this time. The winner taking the USBA Heavyweight Title home.
The undercard brings us Columbian Jair Jimenez 22-5, facing Mexican Cecilio Santos 18-5 for the WBO Latino Superflyweight Title. Zabala Jr. always seems to showcase exciting latin matchups and this one is no exception.
Local upcoming Light Middleweight star Gilberto (sugar) Reyes 18-2 (11 KO’s) will also be on the card against an opponent to be named later.
On a scale of 1-5 gloves, I give this card 3 gloves. Don’t miss it!
Rating System
1 Glove – Poor
2 Gloves – Average
3 Gloves – Good
4 Gloves – Very Good
5 Gloves – Excellent