Nathan Briggs stops barefoot Norford

05.03.04 – By Tony Nobbs: Former Australian heavyweight champion Nathan ‘Nasty Boy’ Briggs took his record to 7-1, 5 KO’s by stopping an outgunned and barefoot Shane Norford (6-14) in the 1st round at Southbank in Brisbane on Friday night. The older twin of lt heavyweight Paul Briggs knocked Norford to the canvas early in the bout with a well placed left hook. Upon continuing Norford was under attack and a series of head shots forced referee, former Australian welterweight champion Alan Moore to intervene at the 1 min 54 mark.

After the fight a focused Briggs said “I really wanted to win this fight impressively. I want to really stress what I am doing now, I have put everything else on hold and am concentrating on boxing full time. My goal for now is to win back the Australian heavyweight title which I won in my fourth fight. I have the help of some good sponsors that will allow me to focus properly. I know I need more fights and I’m prepared to take things slowly”.

While the boxers were being introduced, a gust of wind brought rain spraying into ring in the centre of the partially un-covered arena. “When the rain came in I knew I had to get him out of there early. I thought oh no, they are going to call the fight of. The canvas was slippery as man” said Nathan who will fly to Sydney tomorrow for his brothers WBC eliminator with Jesus Ruiz.

At the beginning of the fight a jab knocked Norford backwards and Shane immediately called for a break to remove his boots. Near cyclonic weather swept through south-east Queensland and northern NSW on Friday.

The 28 year old is now training with Mark Batty on the Gold Coast and is being promoted by Jamie Myer. Briggs weighed 110 kg while Norford scaled 97.5 kg. This was the only boxing bout on a card promoted by leading Kick boxing promoter Tarik Solak.