A long awaited fight is nearly here

riz · Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 5371

A long awaited fight is nearly here
By Rizwaan Zahid

For months now boxing fans have been hearing about the much anticipated bout between Shannon Briggs (48-4-1) and Sultan Ibragimov (20-0-1). On Saturday, June 2nd, all the talk and hype comes to an end, and the two fighters will square off in a 12-round contest for the BriggsÆs WBO Heavyweight belt.

The bout was originally scheduled for March 10th before Briggs pulled out a couple weeks before the fight because he became ill with pneumonia. Ibragimov disposed of the replacement for Briggs Javier Mora, in just 46 seconds for a quick and explosive TKO. Ibragimov first came under the radar after he took out 6Æ8 Lance Whitaker in under seven rounds. Then in July of last year, Sultan had a slugfest with Ray Austin with the winner being granted an IBF heavyweight title shot. Both fighters were down once and after 12 hard fought rounds the bout was declared a draw. Ray Austin was granted as being the IBF mandatory, while Sultan was declared the #1 ranked contender for the WBO title. Austin lost to Klitschko earlier this year via TKO in the second round, while Sultan has been eagerly waiting his title shot ever since.

Shannon BriggsÆs career has had more ups and downs than a roller coaster. After a close decision win against George Foreman in 1997, he would receive a title shot against Lennox Lewis. During the first couple of rounds Briggs had some success of landing flush punches including a left hook that nearly sent Lewis to the canvas. However in the following rounds Lennox took over. Lennox floored Shannon three times on way to a 5th round TKO. After a couple of lackluster performances including a majority decision loss to Sedreck Fields, Briggs appeared to have faded away.

However, in early 2003, the Brooklyn native returned for one more chance to gain a title. After two years of low profile fights, Briggs fought Mercer in a match where there were numerous amounts of insults from both sides. Briggs knocked out Mercer in the seventh round in the most important and publicized fight since his return. Just over a year later he received his goal of another title shot, this time against WBO champion Sergei Liakovich. Briggs was rumoured to be fighting Wladimir until financial complications prevented the fight from occurring.

Shannon knew this may be his last time to receive a shot. He was 35, and not getting any younger. It was a close fight throughout with not many major exchanges until the 12th round. With less than 30 seconds left in the fight, a counter right hand followed by a lead right sent Liakovich down. He managed to get up only to be knocked down again, this time through the ropes. Briggs had finally received his goal of capturing a title, despite the fact it was 15 years into his career.

Both Ibragimov and Briggs have a lot to gain from this fight. Shannon has to prove that his win over Liakovich was not a stroke of luck and show that he deserves his title. Sultan on the other hand wants to take the title away from Briggs and seize the opportunity. As seen in his last two fights, Sultan has the power to knock an opponent down, the ability and determination to rise from a knockdown and the stamina to box for twelve rounds. Briggs has shown despite criticism of his stamina, he has more than just a puncherÆs chance and is able to knock the best out, even in the later rounds. Regardless, this could turn out to be an entertaining heavyweight slugfest, something which we do not often come across during the current status of the heavyweight division.

In other action, Jose Luis Cruz (32-2-2) will have his second fight back, after the losses to Shane Mosley and Sharmba Mitchell. He will be fighting undefeated Atlantic City native, Shamone Alvarez (17-0).

In addition, Calvin Brock (30-1) returns for his second fight after his knockout loss against IBF Heayvweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko last November. He will be fighting Puerto RicoÆs Alex Gonzales (18-4).

Martin · Posted: May 21 2007, 9:06 AM Post subject:

I think Ibragimov is relentless and dangerous enough to beat Briggs. Briggs tires easily these days, and Ibragimov is always dangerous.

Nice article Riz, I too am looking forward to this fight.

Seer · Joined: 25 Oct 2005 Posts: 11681 Location: Alba

Good post, Riz. 8)

I favour Ibragimov too... But then I've been bombing at the PL recently, so don't take my word for anything! :oops:

riz · Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 5371

haha I'm rooting and picking Ibragimov. From what Jeff told me, he's a solid fighter who can do a bit of everything.

I think he can take out Briggs late.

chris75 · Posted: May 27 2007, 11:58 AM Post subject:

Good analyse of both fighter's Riz.I see Ibragimov winning a decision.

riz · Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 5371

thanks Chris, we may see a late TKO also.

lacollier883 · Joined: 04 Mar 2007 Posts: 685 Location: Manchester

Cheers for the article.

I'm can see Ibragimov winning this contest