Boxing

PAUL BRIGGS: "CASTRO IS UNDERESTIMATING ME!"

By Tony Nobbs

09.04 - Lt. Heavyweight Champion Paul Briggs said today that he feels Argentine legend Jorge Castro is under-estimating him with five days to go before their official WBC Eliminator on the Gold Coast, Queensland on Sunday Afternoon.

Currently rated number 7 by the WBC, Briggs, 27, meets 35 year old Castro, currently number five with both men knowing they are virtually on the door step of a World Title shot later this year, providing of course Roy Jones stays at Heavyweight. He has until April 14 to make his decision, which should be a no - brainer. The winner has been guaranteed a spot in one corner if the Title becomes vacant.

"This fight is big. Great for Australian boxing that a guy like Castro is coming out here to test an Australian fighter" said the 19-1, with 16 KO "Hurricane".

"I've heard what he said yesterday and I feel he is under-estimating me. He is thinking 'how can a kid with only twenty fights defeat me'. I had to laugh when he said the only way he can lose is if I kick in the head." continued Briggs, whose trainer-manager Rod Waterhouse is promoting Sunday's excellent six fight card at Carrara Stadium in association with Craig Mordey.

"I have been flying in my training, pushing out the rounds on the pads, punching non stop and my punching power feels as if it has increased.

Castro is a true warrior and a dangerous fighter. A lot of other contenders could have taken this fight but chose to sit on their rankings. The tapes I've seen of him, I am preparing for ten rounds. I've noticed a few things I'll try to exploit but I'm looking for it to be a tough ten rounds. This is the test I want. He has the reputation of having a granite chin. If I can stop him, it will put the entire division on notice. But a points win be just as satisfying, whatever it takes".

Castro with a record of 123-8-3, with 85 knockouts and a former WBA Middleweight Champion is one of, if not the best, import to visit these shores since Azumah Nelson in 1992. He arrived in town yesterday sporting a colorful hair cut that makes him look like a five foot nine Lorikeet.

Before an impressive and lengthy workout at the Burleigh Boxing Club today he said via interpreter Yolanda McTavish that he had not traveled for 35 hours not to win.

"He (Briggs) has youth but I have experience".

Has he seen Briggs in action? "No. I haven't seen any tapes of him. There is no need. I will feel him out and adjust as the fight goes. I will show him things he has never seen before. I will show all my Argentine supporters that I will be World Champion again. I feel sorry for Australia.

I don't make predictions. You tell me what round to knock him out in and I will".

One reporter raised four fingers.

Castro later repeated his declaration Briggs' only chance is if the former Kick Boxing superstar kicks him in the head.

"I promise I won't be kicking him" Briggs hit back. "My kicks are the last thing he should be worried about".

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