Paul Briggs fired up by Jorge Castro comments

07.04 - WBC No.7 light heavyweight Paul Briggs 19-1 (16 KO's) has been fired up by comments made by WBC No.5 Jorge Castro 123-8-3 (85 KO's) in the lead-up to their ten round world title eliminator on April 13 at the Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast in Australia.

Last week Castro brushed aside his cruiserweight world title loss a year ago and predicted an easy win over Briggs.

"When I boxed Vassiliy Jirov (IBF cruiserweight champion) I took him for a ride. I suffered a dislocated shoulder in round six - I boxed the next six rounds with that injury. I plan to take Briggs to school - not for a ride," said Castro.

"I think he is greatly underestimating me," said Paul Briggs, in response to his opponent's comments.

Before concentrating solely on his boxing career, Briggs was a world champion kick-boxer and became a phenomenal star in Japan with a record of 51 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw, with 38 wins coming by knockout.

"People seem to forget that I have been in the ring with guys who have had over 200 fights throwing knees and elbows at me. Fighting someone who has had over 130 fights is no tougher. I know that I am at the top of my game. I am so hungry, I am so fit and punching so hard and accurate that if
anyone I fight is hittable, I will knock them out. Unfortunately for Castro, he is very hittable. I love the fact that he is coming into this fight with this huge reputation as having a granite chin. It will really show people how hard I'm going to punch him."

The more Briggs has read of the former WBA middleweight champion's comments the more he is looking forward to the fight.

"Briggs is green and I will show Australia how an Argentine warrior, who has had over 130 fights will teach Briggs a lesson," said Castro. "After the win over Briggs, I will fight for the WBC light heavyweight crown. Briggs can learn from this experience."

"I'm pretty revved up. Hearing things like that brings the growl out of me," said Briggs.

"My whole career, ever since I've been fighting when I was 15, I have always risen with the harder the fight, the bigger the name or the reputation, the better I fight. I've been waiting 18 months for a big name like this. I think I am getting him at the right time in his career, but I hope he is fit because I don't want to be fighting a washed up Castro. I want the best possible Jorge Castro to really show where I am with my career.

27 year-old Briggs, who is currently rated No.7 in the world by the WBC, will face 35 year-old Castro who is rated No.5 by the same sanctioning body. The winner has been guaranteed the No.2 ranking by the WBC. "That's beautiful" said Briggs. "I'm not just going to stop him. I really want to sit him on his arse!"

Rod Waterhouse informs that Castro is due on the Gold Coast today (Monday) and not Wednesday as the fighter requested. The Argentine contigent of four will be picked up at Brisbane Airport by Craig Mordey and highly professional assistant Brian Mills, a full time employee of Bill Mordey during the elder Mordey's long reign as Australia's premier promoter. Castro is expected to work out of the Burligh Boxing Club on the Gold Coast Highway.

Tickets for the exciting six fight card presented by Fistic Fury Promotions in association with promoter Craig Mordey, are now on sale at Ticketek on-line www.ticketek.com.au or by telephone in Queensland (07) 3404 6700 or in NSW (02) 9266 4800, with the arena seating 4300. Ringside tickets limited to 500, will be sold for $199 each and will include entry, drinks and food at the exclusive after fight party at the Quest Lounge Bar in Broadbeach. Gold section tickets are $150, Silver section tickets are $90 and General admission tickets $55.