08.04.04 – WBC number two Lt Heavyweight Paul ‘Hurricane’ Briggs (22-1, 17 KO) will leave for California next Wednesday (April 17) where he will begin training with Jack Mosley. The twenty eight year old Australian is expected to next face German promoted Croatian Stipe Drews (25-0, 12 KO) in a WBC eliminator. Briggs is coming of an off the floor twelve round decision over Mexican Jesus Ruiz on March 7.
Speaking last night, Briggs, who split from long term mentor Rod Waterhouse on March 9, said he is looking forward to the opportunity of working with Mosley. “Jack Mosley accomplished incredible things with his son and I’m confident he can do big things with me. He is in it for the passion. He has his own private gym and it will more or less be one on one work. Plus the quality sparring and the fact it is a new place, a new environment. I think it will give me a real charge and it will really lift my profile over there. I’m jumping out of my skin – I can’t wait to get on the plane and get amongst it. My wife and two children will accompany me and we have a house ready in West Hollywood. It will be a big step for myself and my family but one that needs to be made.”
Briggs was close to joining Joe Goosen’s stable before his camp struck a deal with Mosley. “With Joe Goosen now working with Shane Mosley plus Lazcano and Corrales, I think the chance for one on one attention will benefit me more. It was great news when I heard (agent) Sampson (Lewkowicz) had arranged Jack Mosley to train me.”
As for the 6’5 former amateur champion Drews: “ He is who they are talking as my next opponent. Whoever I have to fight, it doesn’t really matter. My goal is to be world champion”.