02.11.06 – Photos: TOM CASINO / SHOWTIME – FIGHTING MAD: They don’t meet until Saturday on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast), but WBO heavyweight champion Sergei Liakhovich and challenger Shannon Briggs nearly came to blows before Wednesday’s press conference in Phoenix .
When it was his turn to speak, Briggs continued his verbal assault on Liakhovich. Calmer heads prevailed and headliners Liakhovich, Juan Diaz, promoter Don King, Fernando Angulo and Briggs posed after the press conference ended. Diaz puts his WBA lightweight title and unbeaten record on the line against Angulo in the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING world title doubleheader at Chase Field in Phoenix.
SHANNON BRIGGS (47-4-1, 41 KOs): “I feel great and am in the greatest shape of my life. I was living my life and having fun, but I have to leave that behind..
“I have never really trained like this before in my career. I have must have gotten by on my natural talent and ability.
“I feel like Liakhovich is a very disrespectful guy. He has said some racial things. I was already going to kick his butt anyway.”
“There shouldn’t be a heavyweight champion from Russia. I am going to bring the title back to Brooklyn and America.
“We got him (Liakhovich). I have my home team with me. I’ve got my family. This is like a home fight for me. We brought in a guy (Maurice Harris) who kicked Liakhovich’s butt.
“I was supposed to fight Wladimir Klitschko. I waited by the fax machine for two months. Instead, they brought in Calvin Brock, who is going to sell two tickets – to his mom and dad.
“I am really a nice guy. I am a nicer looking guy when I shave, but I haven’t shaved my beard in eight weeks. I have had 100 rounds of sparring. I have never sparred or trained like this before.
“They should call this the ‘White King Hunt.’ ”
SERGEI LIAKHOVICH (23-1, 14 KOs):
“I don’t know what to say to this guy (Briggs). He is so disrespectful. He has said so many things. On Nov. 4, I will hunt you down. This is not a joke. I am ready.”
KENNY WELDON – Liakhovich’s Trainer
“Briggs used to be one of my favorite fighters. I still like him. I know he has trained hard. We will give him as much respect as is necessary. Bring it on.”
IVAYLO GOTZEV – Liakhovich’s Manager
“The heavyweight title is going to stay in Phoenix.
“Briggs is a terrific opponent. He is a dangerous, dangerous man. I don’t think anybody has motivated Sergei as well as Briggs has.”
CHUCK MCGREGOR – Brigg’s Trainer
“Briggs is ready. His timing is there. He is over ready. He has too much energy at this point. I wish this fight was tomorrow. Now, I might have to train him for another day or two.”
JUAN DIAZ (30-0, 15 KOs):
“This is my third time fighting here in Phoenix. I love coming here. I feel like this is my home field because everyone is so nice
“I am here to open the show (SHOWTIME telecast). I want to prove that I am the 135-pound champion. I can be in there with the best and beat the best.
“To take my belt, they are going to have to carry me out of the ring.
“I give my sweat and tears to every training camp.
“A couple of years from now when I graduate from law school and am the mayor of Houston, I hope Don King comes down to vote for me.”
FERNANDO ANGULO (18-3, 12 KOs):
“I am sure I am going to win on Nov. 4. I am going to give a good fight. I hope you are not disappointed with the money you spend.”