By Gav Duthie: One might think Antonio Tarver and Shannon Briggs are the same. Washed up 40 something year old ex-champions looking for a big payday. The difference seems to be Tarver has some morals and standards as to how he gets that shot.
Shannon Briggs
Shannon Briggs thinks he can insult Wladimir Klitschko on twitter, follow him around Europe to his training camp, his press conferences and even in public to goad him into fighting. His videos have had some humor and gained some interest in the public domain but can you really justify a shot at the sports top heavyweight. In fairness to him he has fought six times since reappearing in April 2014 at the Klitschko-Leapai press conference winning five by first round knockout. The problem is the standard of opposition as nobody has heard of any of these fighters he is facing. They are far bellow the standard expected of an ex-world champion.
Antonio Tarver
Tarver on the other hand knows he needs to earn his shot. It is arguable his win over Jonathon Banks is better than all 6 of Briggs combined. Tarver is quite happy to fight Briggs to show he is still the real deal but Shannon is having none of it. He doesn’t want to risk losing the fight. Tarver realizes the best way to get in the mix is to beat someone of note. His previous reputation and name will open doors no doubt but he still needs to show something before Wilder or Klitschko will look at him. There has been speculation about Tarver’s debts and his boxing return but so what if he is looking for a payday, who isn’t. Nobody boxes for free and as long as he is willing to risk losing against live opponents to get to the top I say all the best to him.
Tarver v Briggs
I would personally be quite interested in seeing this fight. Of course they are both past their best but I would hate to see either get a title shot without testing themselves against each other first. I would fancy Tarver to win on points.
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