04.02.06 – Interview by Troy Ondrizek: Just last night the boxing community was abuzz with the news of Briggs and Tua squaring off against one another in April. Finally we have a fight between two proven and legitimate fighters; trying to get another title shot. Just as the euphoria began to wan a little; the whole dream came crashing down. David Tua backed out. Yes, when I heard that I was crushed. I had high hopes for this fight. So did many other fans. So Shannon wants everyone to know where he stands on this issue. So I got in touch with him to hear his side of the story.
Troy: Hey Shannon hows it going?
Shannon Briggs: “Not good Troy, nice to hear from you though.”
Troy: I have heard conflicting reports regarding the Tua fight. Please can you share some light in the matter?
Shannon: “Troy I’m pissed off. Tua pulled out of the fight. We were going to make decent money, so that wasn’t it. I got a call last night saying the fight might not happen, and then he pulled out. That pisses me off. David and I go way back. We have been trying to fight for a long time. That time was supposed to be now.”
Troy: So do you think he is trying to dodge you?
Shannon: Indirectly, Yes! He said he wanted four tune-up before he takes a fight with a guy like me. I can understand that. He said that I have been active and he hasn’t; that he has too much ring rust right now. I have been in that position before. I wasn’t prepared for the Lewis fight, and I was like 280lbs before the McCline fight. I was drained for that fight and McCline still couldn’t knock me out. I literally got up off my couch and fought Sedreck Fields. All of those fights were mistakes I didn’t need to make. I still think that if you agree to take a fight; than fight. I think Rahman knocked the fight out of him literally with that supposed punch after the bell. Showtime was kind enough to give us a date and a venue for the fight, and they were paying us decent money considering the current money market for boxing. I mean, don’t take a fight if you’re not ready; I should know.
Troy: Are there any other big fights out there for you?
Shannon: Not really. Guys like Brock and Peter have avoided fighting me. When I was young and not in the right state of mind; everybody and their grandmother wanted to fight me. Now that I am in better shape than ever, and I am more mature and dedicated; nobody wants to fight me. I’m thinking of fighting two more fights, and if these guys still avoid me then I will go to K1 to fight. They fight like every week, and the money is good. I have a family to feed you know, and I’ve done all i can outside of boxing to make a good living. I’m going to go and fight that chump Koval now; he has been talking thrash and needs to be silenced. A fight with Brewster or Valuev or any champion is my goal. I still want to be champion of the world. A fight with David would’ve put me right there.
Troy: So when are you going to fight Chris Koval?
Shannon: Probably later than planned. Sometime in March. The fight will be a good tune-up for me.
Troy: How is your injured ankle doing?
Shannon: It isn’t one hundred percent, but I still can fight and train. The fight with David was like seven weeks away. I would’ve been ready for that fight; hell I would’ve still fought with a bad ankle if I just got it taped up.
Troy: I hope for your fans that you stay in boxing and not go to K1. Your good for boxing and vice verse.
Shannon: I don’t really want to do it. I would much rather box, but I love to fight and I will do what I need to to keep busy. I just want to thank you Troy and to thank eastsideboxing for keeping me in the news. I want to thank the fans who have supported me along the way. I want to show my critics that their judgment of me is wrong. I am doing all I can to be champion. Later Troy and good luck.