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04/27/2006 Archived Entry: "Kushner, A lot Smaller, Returns in a BIG Way!"
Kushner, A lot Smaller, Returns in a BIG Way!
"Gotham Boxing" to debut on May 24th- featuring Shannon Briggs.
By Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation
Quite some time (and many pounds) ago, Cedric Kushner spoke at a press conference about the battles a boxing promoter faces on a constant basis, he also spoke more importantly on his personal health battle, as he hovered close to 400 lbs.
"Through surgery and a dedicated approach towards diet and exercise I will one day reach my goal, and be able to wear that bright, red sport jacket I now have in my closet," joked the South African-born, Manhattan entrenched Kushner. The boxing media, mostly concerned, respectfully chuckled.
Kushner will be the first one to say that both journeys have been extremely arduous, yet very satisfying.
With the prideful beam of a very healthful 217 pound man, Cedric Kushner spoke Tuesday at a jam-packed press conference at the elegant and rather upscale Palm restaurant in New York City, announcing the official launch of his new boxing promotional company, aptly titled "Gotham Boxing".
Citing his love for the sport and the day-to-day challenges of the boxing business, Kushner noted that Gotham Boxing will be hosting fight cards "at least once a month in New York."
Excited on his new endeavor, Kushner has promoted over 30 world champions, staged more than 300 world title bouts across the globe and will rely on over twenty years of experience, which has made him one of boxing’s biggest, most influential and highly regarded promoters.
With a penchant towards heavyweights, Kushner’s Gotham Boxing will direct the attention of it’s upcoming May 24th debut, dubbed "The Premiere", on one of the division’s hottest fighters, Shannon Briggs.
"Shannon Briggs is one of the best heavyweights today," stated Kushner, adding "He has won 10 in a row and was the 2005 Comeback Fighter of the Year. With Shannon’s help , I’ll be this year’s Comeback Promoter of the Year!"
A much more confident and sure Shannon Briggs addressed the overflowing crowd. "I’m more mature and I’m in the best shape of my life," the 34 year old native New Yorker nervously exclaimed. "I always put more pressure on myself fighting here. I know defense and conditioning have been my weaknesses, but I’m working on that. I’m in the gym every day."
While the ten victories on the Briggs comeback haven’t come against any noteworthy opponents (with the exception of an ancient Ray Mercer), to his credit Shannon has done his job - knocking out all ten, and serving notice to a somewhat confused heavyweight division which has been lacking a dominant star since the retirement of world champion Lennox Lewis.
The likable and physically imposing Briggs further stated his case, " I’m the best fighter in the world. I have the speed and power, and I’m now committed. I’m bringing the heavyweight championship back to New York City!"
Shannon Briggs has always had the tools, skill and potential to do great things in boxing. The only factor stopping Briggs has been his own lack of commitment and diverted attention. The older, and wiser, Briggs (46-4-1, 40 KO’s) is slated to face Chris Koval (23-2 with 18 KO’s) from Youngstown, Ohio. Shannon Brigg’s destiny is in his own hands.
Minnesota’s highly acclaimed light middleweight Matt Vanda (34-1, 21 KO’s) will fight in the night’s co-feature bout.
Also scheduled to see action on the May 24th fightcard at New York’s famed Hammerstein Ballroom will be unbeaten heavyweight prospect JD Chapman (21-0, 19 KO’s), popular New Yorker Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillen (4-0, 3 KO’s), White Plains, NY undefeated heavyweight Tony Grano (3-0 with 3 KO’s) and female bantamweight Noriko Kariya (3-1), who fights out of Jersey City, NJ. Kariya, who appears highly skilled, is in the capable hands of Mike Skowronski (trainer and co-manager) and Pat Lynch.
With "The Premiere" all set for May 24th and the talk of SportsNet New York TV and In Demand Pay-Per-View in the future for Gotham Boxing, it looks like today would have been a good day for Cedric Kushner to have worn that bright red sport jacket!
