By Listen: With the shocking loss by Wladimir Klitschko, to Tyson Fury the heavyweight division was turned upside down less than two months ago. The boxing community was left stunned as the once invincible Klitschko, who had ruled the heavyweight division for over a decade turned in a lethargic performance losing by unanimous decision to a less than stellar Tyson Fury.
With all respect due to the new world champion, Klitschko essentially gave away his titles, fighting cautiously (to be nice), and scared if we are being truthful throughout the fight. Watching the fight some wondered if Wladimir grew old or uninspired overnight.
Klitschko performance was a surprise to everyone, everyone except, former heavyweight champion of the world, Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs (59-6-1, 52 KO’s). Briggs tormented, Klitschko, repeatedly, for years, interrupting Klitschko’s pre-fight press conferences and training sessions in a disrespectful, yet extremely entertaining fashion. The Brooklyn native screamed to the heavens telling everyone, that the reign of the “Iron Hammer” was indeed approaching the end. Briggs, saw Klitschko as a boring, methodical champion fighting timid opponents, who lacked the heart and desire to compete on a championship level. Instead of being celebrated for his entertaining must see tv style approach to marketing, Briggs was portrayed by many as being, unprofessional, annoying and desperate for his antics, but Shannon Briggs was right.
Briggs, who has accumulated eight straight victories, seven by KO since his comeback in early 2014, has been ignored largely by the boxing establishment. Many fighters point to Briggs earlier career shortcomings, and sub-par recent opposition, as an easy excuse, to steer clear of a fight with the champ. Contenders and champions alike have dismissed Briggs’ rejuvenation as a publicity stunt, labeling Briggs as a “has been” looking for attention in an attempt for a payday.
I would beg to disagree; Shannon Briggs has been the model of consistency, dedicating himself to the sport of boxing since returning to the ring. Briggs has entered the ring, weighing less than 240 pounds in recent bouts due to his nonstop training schedule and a clean organic diet. In contrast a less than dedicated Briggs hovered over 270 pounds in earlier career losses. At 44 years of age, Briggs has inspired thousands of social media followers, with daily motivational videos using his re-dedication to the sport of boxing as an example to never give up on life. “Let’s Go Champ”, can be heard reverberating from the beaches of sunny Florida to the pavements of Brownsville. Briggs has implored his fans to look in the mirror and change their lives by eating healthier diets and by committing themselves to daily exercise. The Champ is a true inspiration, stepping outside his comfort zone of boxing, pleading with his fans to step away from the negativity of drugs, vices and past life failures. “Look for a job”, “Register for college” “Better yourself”, are common themes repeated from “The Cannon”. American football star Richard Sherman, even quoted the “LGC” theme in a recent interview, when asked, how he and his team, remain motivated.
Quite honestly we don’t know if Shannon Briggs, can pull off the unthinkable of recapturing the heavyweight championship of the world. We also don’t know how the 44 year old Briggs, would fair against some of the so called heavyweight elites. We can discount Briggs as a “has been’, we can also write him off as past his prime. We can follow the boxing establishment and ignore Briggs, and his monumental attempt, but like with Wladimir, we could also be wrong.
“Let’s go Champ”
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