The Cyber Boxing Zone Newswire


Shannon Briggs Press Release


SHANNON BRIGGS FOCUSES ON "THE WHITE BUFFALO": "BOTHA IS THE PERFECT OPPONENT FOR ME TO DISPLAY ALL OF MY SKILLS"

BIG BEAR, CALIFORNIA - JULY 26, 1999 - With less than two weeks to go before his August 7 bout with "The White Buffalo" Francois Botha, Shannon Briggs is prepared both physically and mentally for the rigors of this 10 round heavyweight war, to be held at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort in Atlantic City, and televised by SET Pay-Per-View. "I am coming in strong, and I can do it all," said Briggs from training camp. "Anything can happen. I can catch him early, or I can box him. Botha is the perfect opponent for me to display all of my skills. Style-wise, all he can possibly do is try to come inside. If that’s the case, I’ll beat him with my jab, reach, and strength. Botha is so slow, I doubt if he can even hit me. And I’m too strong for him, whether I go inside or out."

The high altitude of Big Bear, California has also helped prepare Briggs for the fight. "I love the altitude training. I’m going to be in the best condition of my life. I like it up here because it is quiet and peaceful. There aren’t any distractions. There’s nothing to do but train and come back to watch tapes, relax, and think about boxing."

But could the confident Briggs be looking past Botha towards a possible showdown with former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson? "I’m not taking him lightly, but at the same time, I feel I am in the prime of my career," said Briggs. "Everyone is going to see a different Shannon Briggs. I’m sure you have heard that before, but August 7th, you’ll see. I’m prepared to get back into fighting and clear up the division."

The heavyweight division could use a boost after numerous controversies, lackluster performances, and legal entanglements. What does Briggs hope to offer the public on August 7? "I want people to come to the fight, or buy it on pay-per-view and just enjoy it," declared the 27 year old contender. "I work hard, and this is what I do. I entertain. I want people leaving this fight to say ‘Did you see Shannon? He was amazing.’ I want them to feel like they got their money’s worth and say that they want to see another Shannon Briggs fight."

Tickets for the Briggs-Botha bout, which headlines an exciting night of fights, including WBO Jr. Featherweight Champion Marco Antonio Barrera defending his title against Pastor Maurin, are priced at $300, $200, $100, $50, and $25, and can be purchased from the Worldwide Entertainment and Sports office by calling Gary Hollander at 561-470-8861. Tickets may also be purchased at the Trump Taj Mahal box office or any Ticketmaster outlet, or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-736-1420.

Botha vs. Briggs is being promoted by Dillon Productions/Frank Warren in association with Cedric Kushner Promotions. The executive producer of the pay-per-view telecast is Jay Larkin. # # #

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