Interview with Shannon the Canon Briggs - 3/31/08
Hey Champ. How's it going man. I finally got those questions together from BoxingForum.com. We're all extremely glad that you agreed to do this. Here are the questions.
1. What does the future hold for Shannon Briggs?
Hopefully a alot. I'm working hard as usual, staying busy as usual. Looking into a career in film, posiibly promoting fights, but more importantly an asthma campaign.
2. Do you feel you can still become champ again?
Of course. Only to a small few have my skills and talent ever been in question. For me it's about being focused and motivated. I'm the best heavyweigt fighter alive at the present time.
3. Who was the Hardest Puncher you ever faced?
I'd have to say Geroge Foreman.
What was the hardest punch you've ever felt?
Again Geroge Foreman. 7th or 8th round he hit me so hard I still can't remember.
4. Seeing that you have a MMA background. What are your thoughts on the Roy Jones Jr vs Anderson Silva Fight?
I wouldnt suggest it but hey to each his own. I gave it a shot at K1 and although I won by a one punch knockout I took a few brutal kicks that changed my respect level for kicking and mixed martil arts. I've trained on the ground for a few years but only for cross training purpose.
5. Why do you think not much attention is paid to the Heavyweight Division anymore?
It hasn't changed worldwide only here in America. Notice there are three European belt holders and one African. Foriegn television rights baby! means bigger money.
6. What was your most significant win?
I haven't fought it yet.
)
7. How has your asthma affected your career?
Humongestly. Imagine if I could breathe 100% or went into every fight without doubt or questioning my oxygen. Or lack of. The self doubt alone has hurt me but I'm so strong that I fight with the handicap regardless.
8. When is your next fight champ?
Hopefully within the next few months. Working towards that now.
9. What is your oppinion of David Haye?
Nothing really. Young and energetic. Small.
Would you like to fight him?
Not really to be honest. If it makes since financially. Other than that it's a step backwards. I'm a two time heavyweight champion. I'm 13 and 1 in my last fights. And one being the loss to Sultan in which I have medical records that I fought him with pnuemonia.
10. Out of all the heavyweights out there at the moment, Who would you like to fight ?
CLIT-sko short for clitorous.
Does a rematch against Ibragimov interest you?
NO. Makes no since. And truth is he makes for a horrible fight regardless of who he fights. Unless he's knocking you out or your knocking him out.
What can your fans do to try to force Klitscko into a fight with you?
The people have to believe in it and see why I not only deserve the fight but I am the only guy that can beat him. Truth is he's been ducking and avoiding me for some time now. My goal is to chase him into he quits boxing.
) Before losing to Sultan a fight I shouldnt have been in I was 13 wins straight. And 13 KO's. I am the last American Heavyweight Champion. Hopefully I will get the oppurtunity to fight and bring it back home to America.
11. As a business, what do you think aspiring boxers need to be aware of before they decide to take the career path of a boxer?
Make your self marketable enough to be able to do things outside of boxing. Boxing has never been kind to it's fighters. Promoters and mangaers yes, but fighters no.
12. How do you like doing business with Don King?
It's great/ Don gave me an oppurtunity to fight for the title and hopefully he'll bring the oppurtunity to me again. He's a busy man but now that the Cory Spinks fight is over hopefully he can concentrate on other fighters. Guys like me. LOL.
13. My friend is reading Teddy Atlas's new book and your name is brought up a few times. How crazy was it getting into that scuffle with all those dudes and Teddy having your back at the restaurant?
It was crazy looking back. I'm glad I survived it. And I'm glad it's in the past.
14. Are you and Teddy still friends?
Yes.
15. What do you think the hardest punch you ever landed was?
I've landed some whoppers in my life time. But you can check out
www.youtube.com/briggsbigfan and see plenty of my fights with some nasty KO's.
16. Last question, Would you ever consider giving a shoutout to all your fans at
Boxingforum.com after you win your next fight? That's not a problem. I aprreciate the oppurtunity for the inrterview so I owe you guys one and I that's the last thing I can do. Thanks.