03.04.06 – By Laz Izada: Power punching, heavyweight knockout artist Shannon Briggs 46-4-1 (40 KO’S) was the studio host with Brian Kenny, on ESPN 2 “Friday Night Fights”. At the start of the show Kenny asked him which heavyweight he wanted and Briggs didn’t hesitate to mention he wanted Wladimir Klitschko 45-3 (40 KO’S). Yes Wlad Klitschko, the Ukrainian “Steel Hammer” ranked # 1 by the IBF, WBO and # 2 by the WBA.. Klitschko has been one of the most feared men in the heavyweight division after his brother Vitali retired. Briggs, “Comeback Fighter of The Year 2005”, with 10 straight impressive KO’S, hasn’t lost in four years, ranked # 8 by the WBC and WBO, doesn’t seem to be intimidated by the feared Ukrainian heavyweight. On the show he was himself, entertaining, articulate, well spoken, with great commentary, and a unique sense of humor. Displaying qualities hard to find in a boxer in today’s heavyweight picture.
A match up between these two power punching giants is just what the heavyweight division needs and fans are hoping for. Fans want to see two guys going all out looking for a knockout. Enough of the boring unspectacular heavyweight fights that fans have had to put up with lately. Kenny, the ESPN host, mentioned that Shannon “has the power and that is what makes him fearful in the division”. Klitschko is the same way. Briggs mentioned that he is “a puncher that is what people want, that is what the game is missing, and people want raw knockout power” and that is what he has.
This would be an ideal fight with a lot of similarities. They both have similar records and are tied with 40 knockouts each. Briggs is 34 and his average weight on his last five fights has been around 255 #’s. Klitschko 31 has weighed in on an average of 245 #’s in his last five bouts. Klitschko is 6 ‘ foot 6” with a reach of 81 inches.. Briggs is 6’ foot 4” with 80 inch reach. Both fighters have always come in looking for a knockout and putting on an exciting show.
Klitschko will be taking on Chris Byrd 39-2-1(20 KO”S) on April 22nd for Byrd’s IBF title. While Briggs will be looking to stay active and continue his ko streak defending his 3 U.S. heavyweight belts (USBA, WBO’s -NABO, NABA) on May 24th at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York city.
Klitschko hasn’t been the type that would shy away from Briggs like top 10 contenders and title holders have been doing as of late. So this match up seems feasible sometime later towards the end of the year. Fight fans haven’t seen two sluggers really going at it in a long time. A match up of this magnitude would not disappoint. Let’s hope it happens. LET’S GET IT ON.