Briggs says “If it wasn’t for this [injured left] arm, I’d be heavyweight champion of the world”

By Boxing News - 10/21/2010 - Comments

Image: Briggs says "If it wasn't for this [injured left] arm, I'd be heavyweight champion of the world"By Dave Lahr: Former WBO heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs (51-6-1, 45 KO’s) isn’t ready to concede anything to World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (41-2, 38 KO’s). Briggs, 38, speaking to the German news organization Bild, said “If it wasn’t this arm, I’d be heavyweight champion of the world.” Briggs ended up with multiple injuries in the fight, suffering two fractured cheeks, a broken nose and a torn left biceps. Briggs lost the fight to Klitschko by a lopsided 12 round decision last Saturday night O2 World Arena, Altona, in Hamburg, Germany. The fight was extremely one-sided to the point where it was almost painful to watch after the 7th round. Over and over again, Vitali landed crushing right hands that hit with full force to the head of Briggs.

The British referee stood and watched the mismatch without stepping in to stop it. Briggs later revealed that he had injured his left arm in the 1st round of the fight and that he had fought with the injury the entire way. With only one good arm to fight and defend himself, Briggs was a mere shadow of his former self. His left bicep looked almost deformed due to the severe tear. It must have been incredibly painful for Briggs.

This is pretty heroic of Briggs, and you have to give him a lot of credit for showing a huge heart by fighting through the pain and refusing to quit like other fighters would have done. Briggs fought without his main weapon and had to rely on using only his right hand to do attack the 6’7″ Vitali. Briggs said this to Sky Sports News: “Last Saturday night was the toughest night of my life, but I would do it all over again. I showed the world that I can fight.” He did fight bravely with such a serious injury. It takes courage to fight with the kinds of injuries that Briggs suffered in the fight. I bet Vitali would have had a hard time fighting with similar injuries.



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