Arlington, TX (November 24, 2021) With social media calling it ‘The Best Press Conference Ever’ just three days prior to the highly anticipated debut of Triad Combat set for this Saturday, November 27 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX, all fighters met the media at a packed final press conference with an over-heated atmosphere headed by their Team Captains, Shannon ‘Let’s GO Champ’ Briggs for boxing and Quentin ‘Rampage’ Jackson.

Hosted by Hall of Fame Ring Announcer Michael Buffer and the Voice of Triller Fight Club,

Ray Flores, the Captains wasted no time in leading the way for a truly explosive and memorable press conference in Dallas, TX today.

Below are quotes from the participants;

Shannon Briggs: ‘Rampage Jackson is scared to fight me and he’s leading a scared group of fighters on Saturday night. He talks tough like most of the MMA guys. Look at my Team, they’re all top-notch boxers. Mike Seals is a true animal and he’s going to destroy Mike Perry on Saturday night. Perry, you just talked yourself into a hospital visit, these are the best strikers in the world. Frank Mir, I respect you but Kubrat Pulev is going to knock you out very badly on Saturday night.”

“Rampage is leading them all into the fire on Saturday night. Order this on PPV if you’re not in Dallas and then the next one is Rampage and me.”

‘Rampage’ Jackson: “I don’t know any of these boxers, but I know all these MMA guys and they’re all stone-cold killers. The MMA fighters are the toughest fighters on the planet. Keep on underestimating us and we’ll beat you on Saturday night.”

“Shannon is good at getting underneath my skin but these warriors on my side will shut up him up for good on Saturday night.”

“Of course, I’ll fight this clown, anytime we can put it together with Triller for Triad Combat.

Kubrat Pulev: “Boxers are much more precise in our striking, we should win every fight on Saturday night. These MMA fighters don’t stand a chance.”

Frank Mir: “I’m always the predator going after the biggest hunt and Saturday night against Kubrat Pulev will be no different. We taped out the triangle, it’s 26 feet long. I’ll know exactly how to be victorious on Saturday night.”

Mike Mitrione: “No one has ever slept me and it’s not happening this Saturday night to this skinny dude Flores. I can’t wait to punch him in the face on Saturday night and he can’t wait to do the same to me. Look at the dude Flores over there with those skinny legs shaking, he knows the beating ahead of him this Saturday night.”

Alexander Flores: “I’ve been training for a fight for 16 weeks, sparred over 100 rounds, once I got the offer I said let’s do it. Mitrione is standing in my path and I will destroy him on Saturday night.”

‘Platinum’ Mike Perry: “I’m going to f*** this dude up on Saturday night and somebody might die. I’m just focused on what I always do, hurt people and entertain the fans. That’s what people want from me and that’s what they get, satisfaction guaranteed from Mike Perry.”

Mike Seals: “Clearly this dude has no clue what he’s gotten himself into. I’m going to destroy Mike Perry on Saturday night.”

                                                                        ——————————-

Presented by Triller Fight Club, advance tickets for Triad Combat and Metallica priced at $300, $200, $125, $85 and $50 can be purchased at TrillerFightClub.com and Ticketmaster. Globe Life Field is located at 734 Stadium Drive, Arlington, TX 76011. In addition to the exciting seven bout card for the new sports’ debut, International Music Icons Metallica will also play a full concert.

The Triad Combat PPV event will be carried in North America across all PPV platforms, including cable, satellite, telco, and streaming. Complete PPV distribution details can be found below.

TRIAD COMBAT is a revolutionary, new combat team sport which incorporates boxing and MMA rules in an aggressive, fast-paced manner with the fighters competing in a specially designed triangular ring over two-minute rounds featuring professional boxers competing against professional mixed martial arts fighters. The specific motto of leveling the playing field between the two sports utilizing crossover gloves and with holding allowed is meant to offer boxing and MMA fighters an even battleground where neither opponent has a greater advantage.

Click Here for Exciting New Event Promo Clip

Click HERE for Exciting TRIAD COMBAT Trailer

Click Here for Triad Combat Rules Tutorial

Headlining Triad Combat is a nine-round heavyweight battle between Two-Time UFC Heavyweight World Champion Frank Mir of Las Vegas, NV and Two-Time Heavyweight Boxing World Title Challenger Kubrat ‘The Cobra’ Pulev of Sofia, Bulgaria. Mir holds the records for the most finishes in UFC history (13) and most wins by submission in the UFC heavyweight division (8). Sporting a record of 28-2 with fourteen knockouts, Pulev’s only losses throughout his distinguished career have come in world title bouts to Wladimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua.

Co-featured, former UFC Superstar Matt Mitrione of Milwaukee, WI will clash with Alexander ‘The Great’ Flores over seven rounds in the heavyweight division. In addition to having a very successful run with the UFC and Bellator, Mitrione also played in the NFL for the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings. The heavy-handed Flores of Rowland Heights, CA owns a record of 18-3-1 with sixteen knockouts as a professional boxer.

iNDemand, the leading transactional video-on-demand and PPV programming provider in North America, will serve as the exclusive U.S. and Canadian cable, satellite, and telco PPV provider for TRIAD COMBAT. Fans will be able to order the event on PPV through their existing cable, satellite, and telco PPV providers across the U.S., including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum, among others and from leading operators in Canada.

TRIAD COMBAT will be broadcast globally on FITE, iNDemand and through all leading Cable, Satellite and Telco Providers in the U.S. and Canada. The suggested PPV retail price is $19.99.

**HOW TO WATCH THE NOVEMBER 27 – TRIAD COMBAT EVENT**

TV: Cable, satellite & telco PPV providers, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum (U.S.), among others, as well as leading operators in Canada.

Worldwide Streaming: FITE.TV and all FITE mobile, Smart TV, IPTV, game controller and OTT apps as well as the event microsite hub: TrillerFightClub

This marks the FOURTH time that FITE, iNDemand and Triller will have partnered to bring value-packed, world-class PPV events to boxing, music, and entertainment fans. iNDemand also served as the cable, satellite, and telco PPV distributor for Triller Fight Club’s November 2020 Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. event (which landed as the 8th best PPV event of all time), as well as the April 17, 2021 Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren event and the September 11, 2021 Evander Holyfield vs. Vitor Belfort event. FITE handled global digital sales for both events and powered the TysononTriller and TrillerFightClub sites.

Fans can check the global FITE link for exact start times and international pricing, and remember: the PPV order on FITE and TrillerFightClub.com INCLUDES the FULL METALLICA CONCERT event which immediately follows the Triad Combat Main Card event!!!

About TrillerNet:

FITE and Triller Fight Club are owned by TrillerNet, a first-of-its-kind company consolidating technology and content platforms to lead the move to Internet 3.0. TrillerNet pairs the culture of music with sports, fashion, entertainment and influencers through a 360-degree view of content and technology. TrillerNet—which owns the globally popular Triller app used by musicians, celebrities, athletes, and overall culture setters—has more than 300 million users worldwide. The Triller app—unlike other popular short-video apps it is often compared to, encourages its users to post the content created on the app across other social media platforms and websites. The app uses proprietary AI and Machine Learning technology which is uniquely tied to the content rather than the user. By tracking the content, Triller empowers its tastemakers and users to push their content virally to affiliated and non-affiliated sites and networks reaching hundreds of millions of additional users. Data and insights gleaned from the Triller network, its creators, artists and users (from the app and off network) are used to program longer-form content, connect users across the web with the content, and provide unprecedented opportunities for engagement and monetization. TrillerNet has developed highly successful campaigns that begin with the app and continue throughout the entire content and technology ecosystem with some of the biggest brands in the world, including Pepsi, McDonalds, Weedmaps, DraftKings, L’Oreal, and many others. TrillerNet offers brands a unique content and technology solution, including direct deals with the influencers and celebrities. This branded content journey starts with short-form video and can easily expand into valuable long-form content distributed through the Triller Network, such as live-event boxing and music PPVs, fashion shows, and episodic reality content on TrillerTV. Some of the more than 65 original half-hour TrillerTV shows include The D’Amelios Family’s “Ask a DAM Question,” Jennifer Lopez In The Morning, Jake Paul: Staying On Top, 2 Chainz Let’s Do It, DJ Khaled’s Spreading Love, Hype House’s Thomas Petrou’s Coffee Talks, Josh Richards’ Josh Pong, Ur Lov’d: the Noah Beck Show, Fat Joe’s Masterclass, The Perez Hilton Show, and Violet Benson’s Too Tired To Be Crazy, among others. TrillerNet additionally owns Verzuz, the massive live-stream music platform launched by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, and Triller Fight Club (www.TrillerFightClub.com), which launched last year with the highly successful Tyson-Jones Fight which shattered digital PPV records. Other holdings include leading AI-powered customer engagement platform Amplify.ai, and FITE, the premier live event and PPV, AVOD, SVOD streaming platform.

About FITE:

FITE is the premium global platform for live sports and entertainment offering many of the industry’s marquee PPV events and SVOD packages with over 5MM registered users. FITE is available worldwide through its iOS, Android and Huawei mobile apps, as well as via Apple TV, Android TV, ROKU, and Amazon Fire TV OTT streaming apps. In addition, FITE supports Shaw Communications’ Blue Curve IPTV, LG, Samsung, Vizio SmartCast™, Cox Contour and the Contour Streaming Player, Foxxum, Chromecast, PS4, XBOX, ZEASN, Comcast’s Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Flex, Netrange, Vidaa/Hisense, VEWD, Netgem TV, Virgin Media, as well as over 7,000 models of Smart TVs. Available online at www.FITE.tv. FITE is owned by TrillerNet. FITE: It’s ON. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIN, and Facebook. 

About iNDemand:

iNDemand is an innovative partnership between three of the leading cable companies in the U.S.—Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, and Cox Communications. iNDemand is a company of trusted content aggregators and licensing experts, with unparalleled technical expertise and long-standing relationships with MVPDs, major sports leagues, Hollywood studios, and other entertainment and sports companies across North America. iNDemand delivers great content to more than 80 million homes and has distribution deals with more than 150 companies. For more information, go to indemand.com.

About Globe Life Field:

Since its opening in the spring of 2020, Globe Life Field has rapidly earned a reputation as one of the top sports and entertainment venues in the United States. A public-private partnership between the City of Arlington and Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers, Globe Life Field is not only the home of the team but also a multipurpose sports and entertainment venue that includes capabilities for hosting numerous local, regional, and national events. It is highlighted by a 5.5-acre one-piece retractable roof that provides climate control, shelter for fans during the hot summer months, and year-round utilization. Groundbreaking for the facility took place on September 28, 2017, and construction was completed in just over 30 months. In its first 18 months of operation, Globe Life Field has hosted the 2020 Major League Baseball postseason, including the 116^th World Series, the 2020 National Finals Rodeo, the Hella Mega Tour, the Lockheed Martin Commanders’ Classic, and many other major events.  

About REV Entertainment:

REV Entertainment is a subsidiary of Rangers Baseball Express, LLC, and was founded in August 2021 as a result of the success of Rangers Events, which had served as the exclusive booking agent for all non-MLB game day events beginning in 2012, first at Globe Life Park in Arlington (now Choctaw Stadium) and since 2020 at Globe Life Field. Over the last 12 months, REV Entertainment has produced a number of major events, including the 2020 National Finals Rodeo, the Hella Mega Tour, Chris Stapleton in Concert, and the 2021 Lockheed Martin Commanders’ Classic college football game. The company also includes REV Production Services, which was created in 2020 as the nation’s first unaffiliated stadium flooring production company that specializes in the procurement, transportation, installation, and cleaning of stadium flooring and barricades.

Triller Fight Club Social Media

Instagram: @Triller, @TrillerFightClub

Twitter: @Triller, @TrillerFight

Facebook: @TrillerFightClub

Website www.Triller.co

By Kyle Kinder-

When Brownsville and boxing are mentioned in the same sentence, the name Mike Tyson usually emerges from someone’s mouth.  And if it doesn’t, there’s a good chance the name of another Brownsville champion does; perhaps Riddick Bowe or Shannon Briggs, maybe Zab Judah or Daniel Jacobs.

There’s another Brownsville though, some 2,000 miles from the boxing-rich Brooklyn streets of Tyson’s youth.  Just across the border from Matamores, Mexico, this Brownsville has yet to produce a world champion.  At 8-0 with 5KO’s, junior welterweight Omar “El Relampago” Juarez is on a mission to change that.

With a population north of 182,000 people, Brownsville claims the southernmost point on mainland USA and is the most populous municipality comprising Texas’ Rio Grande Valley.  And while boxing’s roots run deep in Brownsville, it wasn’t until recently that the city and surrounding region have begun to produce world-class fighters. 

In the Rio Grande Valley, like the rest of Texas, football is king.  Most boys grow up playing youth football with the dream of one day achieving glory under Texas’ famed Friday Night Lights.  So perhaps it was a bit of a divergence then, that at 8 years old, Omar Juarez stuffed his fists into padded gloves and committed himself to boxing.  

“My father was a huge fan of boxing,” Juarez, now 21, said.  “It all started with me just wanting to make my parents proud.”

Just a year later Juarez began boxing competitively…if you can call it that.  He got walloped in his first ten amateur bouts, losing them all. 

“I got knocked down twice in my first fight,” he recalled.  “I would lose left and right..and of course I was knocked down left and right…but I just stuck to it.  It was a very bumpy road, but I stuck to it.” 

Juarez’s persistence, combined with a steady diet of hard-work and discipline eventually paid off.  After a cruel introduction to the world of amatuer boxing, Juarez started to win…and win often.  He went on to claim victory in 90 of his final 110 amateur contests before turning pro in September 2018 under Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) promotional banner. 

In his first six fights, which spanned September 2018 to November 2019, Juarez faced opponents with a combined record of 11-21-5, stopping three of them inside the distance.  

But in 2020, PBC matchmakers upped Juarez’s opposition level, pitting the Mexican-American against four boxers whose combined record read 59-34-3.

In February Juarez squared off against his toughest foe yet,  Mexico’s Martin Angel Martinez; a gritty veteran who had shared the ring with former world champions Lucas Matthysse and Marcos Maidana.  After eight hardfought rounds, all three judges awarded Juarez a wide decision. 

“I learned a lot in that experience especially from a fighter that had over 40 fights and fought a lot of good fighters,” said Juarez. “Originally, we thought we were going to fight someone else, but I told myself whoever it is, it doesn’t matter.  I trained hard, I put in all the hard work in camp.  It turned out to be one of my hardest fights, but I definitely learned a lot.”  

Riding high after the biggest win of his career, Juarez hoped to get back in the ring in early spring.  In a perfect world, he wanted to fight five more times in 2020.  

But less than a month later, COVID-19 thrust the majority of the country into lockdown.  Although his plans for the year were altered, Juarez knew boxing would likely resume in the summer.  He made certain that when it did, he’d be ready to fight.

“We actually quarantined here for about two to three months,” Juarez said.  “During the quarantine I was getting up every day, there was nothing open, I was here in my backyard, in my garage…using the resources we had to stay in shape to be ready.

“Something told me this was not going to last,” he continued.  “Eventually it will go back to normal and they were going to call me and ask if I’m ready and that’s exactly what happened.  About four weeks before my August fight, which was the first fight after the pandemic….I said I’m ready.”

In that August fight, Juarez, who is trained by his father Rudy, earned a wide six round unanimous decision against once-defeated Willie Shaw.  He picked up another convincing eight round decision in a slugfest against West Virginia’s Dakota Linger the following month.  And on December 26, Juarez closed out 2020 with a bang, dropping veteran Raul Chirinos four times in the opening round en route to a first round TKO. 

As his national profile grows with each win, the Brownsville-born fighter remains grounded, vowing to be a force for good in his south Texas community.  

Roughly three years ago, Juarez decided to delve into the world of motivational speaking.  As a boxer who dropped his first ten amateur contests, yet persisted to become a top junior welterweight prospect in the pro ranks, Juarez felt his story could inspire others.  He wanted to let kids in the Valley know that with hard work, dedication, and persistence, they could do the same. 

“I was fresh out of high school…I wanted to start motivating students,” said Juarez.  “What motivated me a lot was listening to motivational speeches by famous athletes and motivational speakers…specifically Eric Thomas and David Goggins.  I said to myself, you know, if these guys can help me fight adversity in life, I’m more than sure that I can help somebody else.

“So we started with elementary schools at first to see how it went,” he continued.  “And from there, just with word of mouth, it blew up by itself.  And from there we had gigs left and right speaking at middle schools, high schools, pep rallies.  We were sometimes doing three schools per day.  Every single time we have an event I have to speak at, I’m always getting up with a smile on my face ready to speak from my heart and that’s why I like it.”

It’s unsurprising that Juarez’s motivational speaking events combined with his in-ring success, have coincided in a boxing boom of sorts in the Valley.  

Juarez is humble enough to not claim any credit himself, but acknowledges the Valley’s interest in boxing is peaking.  

“The sport is growing a lot here in the Rio Grande Valley,” Juarez said.  “We have champions and I feel like we have a lot of talent coming up with the amateur fighters that are training currently and fighting all over the place.”

Although already in the throes of amateur boxing as a young teen, Juarez himself was inspired by a fellow Valley boxer, former WBC World Lightweight Champion Omar Figuroa, who hails from nearby Weslaco.

“I remember growing up when Omar was getting pretty big…watching him did motivate me,” Juarez said.  “I remember going to I think it was in Corpus [Christi] to watch him….and seeing all the lights, all the action, it was everything I ever dreamt of.

“I was still an amateur and just watching would bring a spark inside of me,” he went on.  “I’d come back from a fight and go want to workout….it would pump me up.”

Though Omar Figueroa is now inactive, his younger brother Brandon picked up the mantle, and as the current WBA Regular Super Bantamweight world titlist, is the Valley’s lone world champion.

And while Juarez and the Figueroa brothers represent the present and future of boxing in the Valley, there have been recent efforts to celebrate the region’s fighting past.  In Fall 2018 the RGV Boxing Hall of Fame was founded and five local boxers and physicians were inducted in the first inaugural class:  Dr. Benjamin Salinas, Alfredo “Chicken” Gomez, Herberto “Beto” Carr, Tomas Barrientes, and Andrew Maynard.  Juarez’s younger brother Sebastian took home the first annual RGV Amateur of the Year award.

There is little doubt that Juarez will one day himself be inducted into the RGV Hall of Fame, but not anytime soon.  Juarez has his immediate sights set on competing in lengthier fights this calendar year against increasingly tougher opposition.

“A perfect 2021 would be four to five fights,” Juarez said. “I don’t doubt I’ll get four, hopefully we squeak in five.  I want to become a world champion as soon as possible.”

He continued, “This year I’m looking to get into ten or hopefully twelve rounders and start making some noise. But I know that I’m not ready, I’m only a prospect, but I believe in two or three years, it’s [becoming a world champion] going to happen.  I just have to continue to be consistent, stay patient, and continue to work hard.”

If Juarez’s dream ever becomes reality, he’ll join a long, illustrious list of world champions from Brownsville. 

But he’ll be the first and only one from Brownsville, Texas. 

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (March 7, 2020) – Shannon Briggs was on hand for Dada 5000’s BYB Extreme Fighting “Brawl III: Brawl at The Rock” at the brand new Hard Rock Live at the new Hard Rock Guitar Hotel & Casino. Briggs took to the Trigon to tease fans of a possible upcoming fight in BYB Extreme Bare-Knuckle Brawls.

BYB Extreme Fighting Series was established to bring fight fans what they want most, ACTION! BYB Extreme Bare-Knuckle Brawls is designed to leave decisions to the combatants in the cage, not the judges. Close  combat in BYB’s 3-sided Triangle cage, affectionately known as “The Trigon,” just about guarantees that. No other ring or cage in the world has angles of less than 90 degrees. With 60-degree angles, “The Trigon’ guarantees 180-degrees of mayhem. BYB Extreme combatants will work to take the action to the center of the cage versus risking getting caught up in one of ‘The Trigon’s’ tight corners.

“Tonight was epic, I wanted to see all finishes, I practice this when I say nothing in the mighty Trigon is gonna go the distance, I really wanted to hold true to that, you know the main event was an unintentional foul, I expected more, and then we had another one, two unintentional fouls that ruined my prediction,” said big homie Dada 5000.

When asked if we are going to see Shannon the Cannon Briggs in the Trigon, Dada 5000 responded with “Thats the game plan, that’s what we are looking for, to get the Cannon out there and let those guns go off.” 

The main event super heavyweight showdown between Chris Barnett and Matt Kovacs was to be all fireworks, however was highlighted only by Chris “Beast Boy” Barnetts dancing ring walk.  Soon after the opening bell Barnett found him self in one of the 60 degree corners and Kovacs instinctively, from his MMA background, threw a short elbow that connected on Huggybears chin.  Barnett was facedown on the canvas for several minutes and when he stood up was still on very unsteady legs as he fell into the ropes. The fight was officially declared a no contest due to an unintentional blow.

Knockout artist Matt “MFD” Delanoit stopped BYB veteran Mike Trujillo in round one.  Delanoit looked impressive as he knocked Trujillo down three times with the end coming at 1:12 of round one. 

The Jackson/Quinones matchup was filled with drama, confusion and a decent performance by Jackson, just not Brian Jackson who won by DQ.

In an odd bout that was interrupted by a near ankle injury as Jackson entered the Tirgon, Jackson, was brought back to the locker room to have a look, causing a delay. In his absence, a Micheal Jackson look alike performer took the Trigon for a thrilling dance and lip-sync performance of all of Jackson’s hits to keep the fans warm.  

Jackson returned to the Trigon and the bell rang for round number one, within the first minute and a tangle up near the ropes, Jackson slipped down to the canvas and Quinones threw a punch that landed on the back of Jackson’s neck/upper-back. The fight was stopped and Jackson was awarded the win by DQ.

Against Dada 5000 wishes of wanting all finishes, the Rene Rodriguez Robert Brown matchup was the only matchup to go to decision 50-45 going to Rene Rodriguez.

John Michael Escoboa knocked out Leo Pla of Wichita KS, in the second round. Escoboa’s superior experience shined in his win tonight.

Luiz Melo stopped Robert Washington at 1:58 of the third round. Washington was deducted a point for holding the far more active and skilled Melo.

Heavyweight Lorenzo Hood knocked out Justin Grizzard with a barrage of punches with the end coming at 1:06 of the first round.

Christine “Knuckles” Stanley knocked down Sheena Brandenburg twice, finishing her at 50 seconds into the first round.

In the first fight, with the first punch, a jab, Carlos Alexandre Da Costa knocked out Colton Bowen. Bowen went down and was counted out at 23 seconds, including the 10 count. 

“Overall success, this is just the beginning, history in the making we are coming right back here in a couple months” concluded Dada 5000.

Las Vegas (March 15, 2018) – Two-Time World Champion Shannon Briggs “Let’s Go Champ” has confirmed that he will appear, have a booth and hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 4th edition of Box Fan Expo that will take place Saturday May 5,2018 from 10am to 5pm, during Cinco De Mayo fight weekend.

Briggs will appear for the first time at this year’s Expo where he will be launching and introducing his new “Champ RX” “Let’s Go Champ” products. Briggs will be signing gloves, photos and have merchandise for fans to enjoy. Boxing fans will also have a great opportunity to take pictures with this boxing star also known as “The Cannon”.

About Shannon Briggs
Briggs is an American professional boxer. A twenty-year veteran of the sport, he is a Two-Time former world heavyweight champion, having held the lineal title from 1997 to 1998, and the WBO title from 2006 to 2007. Briggs was involved in some of the biggest fights in boxing history and has fought some of the biggest names including George Foreman, Lennox Lewis, Vitali Klitschko and Ray Mercer.

About Champ RX
Champ RX LLC., was co-formed in 2017 by Two-Time Heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs. Champ RX is the first company to offer CBD products that are 100% THC free.

Champ RX caters to professional athletes as most are tested for THC. Champ RX is working with several professional sports teams and organizations to be able to offer products and conduct research on how CBD products can help with CTE and other brain disease and damage caused by sports.

Briggs joins, Badou Jack, Kelly Pavlik, Erik Morales and Fernando Vargas as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last three Expos such as Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Marco Antonio Barrera, Roy Jones Jr., Marcos Maidana, Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.Johns, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Abner Mares, Jorge Linares, Brandon Rios and many more…
Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, new equipments, energy drinks, alcohol, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans, media and the boxing industry.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:
https://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to Meet and Greet Boxing Superstars of today, current and former world champions, Legends of the sport and other boxing Celebrities at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo will also feature top boxing organizations, promoters, ring card girls, famous trainers and commentators as well as boxing gear companies “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”.

Throughout the next several weeks leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo. And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:

Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on the Box Fan Expo is available at: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

You can follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo

and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs was suspended for 6 months by the WBA for a failed PED test in the lead up to his title bout with Fres Oquendo

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs tested positive for a banned substance in the lead up to his June 3rd WBA title fight with Fres Oquendo and now the fight is cancelled.
On Saturday, Dr. Margaret Goodman, president of the Las Vegas-based Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, which was overseeing drug testing for the bout as part of the WBA’s Fair Boxing Program, sent those involved a letter disclosing that Briggs’ urine sample collected in Hollywood, Florida, on May 14 — and analyzed on May 16 at the UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory in Los Angeles — had come back with elevated levels of testosterone.

According to Goodman’s letter, a copy of which was obtained by ESPN, Briggs’ A sample was “analyzed for anabolic agents, diuretics, beta-2 agonists, metabolic modulators, GHRP, hormones and related substances” and that there was an “atypical” finding: his testosterone to epitestosterone ratio was 7.89 to 1. That far exceeds the allowable threshold of 4 to 1 under World Anti-Doping Agency standards.
The Oquendo camp pushed for VADA testing when the fight was being negotiated, but according to a source with knowledge of the testing situation, the Briggs camp balked at first before finally agreeing.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (May 1, 2017) – Two-time world heavyweight champion Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs and three-time title challenger Fres Oquendo will battle for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Heavyweight Championship in the main event of Backyard Brawl: Briggs vs. Oquendo taking place on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. Doors open at 6 p.m. with first fight at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.

One of boxing’s most popular and larger-than-life personalities who fights in its resurgent glamor division, Briggs’ self-made brand and boxing acumen has helped him land several world title fights since 1998. On June 3, the 45-year-old Briggs will bring a five-fight knockout streak into the ring as he attempts to make history by matching the likes of two-time world heavyweight champion George Foreman. The oldest heavyweight champion ever, Foreman won his final heavyweight championship at the age of 45.

“Fighting for the WBA Heavyweight Championship against Fres Oquendo is a wonderful opportunity and true privilege,” said Briggs. “Being able to fight at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, in front of my hometown fans and right in my backyard is extremely exciting. I’m working very hard right now with some great sparring partners that are pushing me to the limit. Fight night will be a long one for Fres Oquendo. I want to dedicate this fight to my children, my family, all of my fans and to all of the people around the world who have suffered from depression. I’m living proof that you can make it. Don’t give up. LET’S GO CHAMP!”

Returning to the ring after a disputed defeat to Ruslan Chagaev in a 2014 title fight, Oquendo is co-promoted by future Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr.’s Square Ring Promotions and Hitz Boxing as he looks to become the first heavyweight champion from Puerto Rico since John Ruiz in 2001.

“This will be a great fight between two veteran American fighters,” said Oquendo. “I’ve fought in Miami five times, plus, I train at the historic 5th Street Gym in Miami Beach, so I’m very comfortable here. The trials and tribulations I’ve encountered for 30 years in this sport and 20 as a professional, are finally coming to fruition. They say third time is the charm, but the fourth is the holy grail and the most special. I’m dedicating this fight to Jaxon King, my friend’s son who just passed away at five years of age. I’m also doing this for my mentor, Muhammad Ali. Winning his belt on the anniversary of his passing will be special. I’m going to borrow the belt for a bit and give it back when I’m done beating Shannon.”

Less than 30 miles from the Miami Beach Convention Center that hosted the 1964 Fight of the Year between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston, Briggs and Oquendo will look to ignite the passions of the rabid boxing fans in South Florida as they seek a piece of the championship crown and move closer to the ultimate goal of unifying the heavyweight division.

“We’re extremely excited about bringing this WBA Heavyweight World Championship fight to Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino,” said Kris Lawrence, founder of The Heavyweight Factory. “We’re really proud of Shannon Briggs, who has a chance to tie George Foreman’s record and become a champion for a third time. It is truly amazing for a heavyweight like Shannon to have lasted and preserved himself for so long. He was champion in two different decades. First in 1997 and then 2006. Now in 2017, he has the chance to do it again. We hope to see everyone coming out and supporting Shannon Briggs the night of the fight, as he is the ‘People’s Champ.’ LET’S GO CHAMP!”

Briggs has made South Florida his home and training camp for much of his career. He will be making his fourth start at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and his ninth in the state.

Representing the boxing hotbed of Brooklyn, Briggs (60-6-1, 53 KOs) seeks the third heavyweight world title in his long and eventful career. Briggs became a world champion in 2006 when he scored a 12th round stoppage of Siarhei Liakhovich. Briggs has faced the best heavyweights in the world and won the lineal heavyweight world title from George Foreman in 1997. He also defeated Ray Mercer in 2005, in addition to world title challenges of Lennox Lewis and Vitali Klitschko. He enters this fight as the winner of his last nine contests, including eight knockouts and a 12-round decision over Raphael Zumbano Love.

Originally from Puerto Rico and fighting out of Chicago throughout his pro career, Oquendo (37-8, 24 KOs)looks to capitalize on his fourth opportunity and capture a world title. The slick-boxer has faced a slew of top heavyweights throughout his career, including narrow decision losses to Evander Holyfield and James Toney, plus title challenges of Chris Byrd and John Ruiz. The 44-year-old owns recent victories over Derric Rossy and Joey Abell in addition to triumphs over Clifford Etienne, David Izon and Javier Mora.

Briggs vs. Oquendo Fight Week promises to excite with week-long events that will lead up to this historic night. Among the boxing royalty invited to Fight Week and Fight Night are Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Roy Jones Jr, Michael Moorer, Riddick Bowe and more.

Ticket prices are $75, $100, $150, $250 and $500; ringside seats are sold for $1,000; ringside tables with six seats are $5,500 and 10 seats are $11,000 (plus a $5 Facility Maintenance fee applies). All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets online at www.myhrl.com, www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open one hour prior to show start time. *Additional fees may apply.

About Hard Rock Live

Hard Rock Live, a spectacular state-of-the-art facility, further expands the ultimate entertainment experience at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. This 5,500-seat indoor arena has attracted more than 3 million people since its opening in 2005 and has regularly hosted South Florida’s greatest variety of musical acts such as Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Marc Anthony, Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli, Tim McGraw and Carlos Santana; top comedians including Chris Rock, Robin Williams, Kathy Griffin and George Lopez; as well as major sporting events and events of major sports stars, from UFC matches to charity galas for Jason Taylor, Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade and more. For additional information, please visit www.hardrocklivehollywoodfl.com orwww.myhrl.com.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is South Florida’s iconic entertainment destination located minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach. The AAA Four Diamond-rated resort features 469 luxury guest rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, a lagoon-style pool and Beach Club, a Hard Rock-inspired spa, premium meeting and convention space and a 5,500-seat Hard Rock Live concert arena. The casino offers more than 100 table games, 2,000 of the most popular slots and a stand-alone poker room.

Fine dining options include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the resort’s signature steakhouse, and Kuro, a luxe and socially vibrant restaurant offering new-style Japanese cuisine. In the heart of the hotel is L Bar, a sophisticated, contemporary lounge showcasing handcrafted classic cocktails with a twist. Contemporary and casual eateries, include Blue Plate, the hotel’s 24-hour diner-inspired restaurant; Constant Grind, a gourmet coffee and pastry shop; and the ever-famous Hard Rock Cafe – Hollywood, part of Hard Rock’s 174 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll restaurants.

For more information, call 800-937-0010, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, or follow us on Facebook: @SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly

Pensacola, FL—Square Ring Promotions and Hitz Entertainment Corporation announced today that they have reached an agreement for the Fres Oquendo vs. Shannon Briggs fight for the WBA World Heavyweight Championship.

“We are really excited that we were able to reach an agreement with Kris Lawrence and Henry Rivalta of the Heavyweight Factory,” said John Wirt, CEO of Square Ring Promotions. “It was a long process and a difficult negotiation, but the good news is that Fres will now have the chance to finally win the WBA Heavyweight crown. I want to thank Gilberto Mendoza, George Martinez and everyone else at the WBA for this great opportunity.”
“Fres is in fantastic shape and he is focused on winning this bout like I have never seen before,” said Bobby Hitz, President of Hitz Boxing. “I met with him today and watched him spar and he looked awesome. His preparation is second to none and I predict it is going to be a great fight.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former world heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs will take on Fres Oquendo for the WBA Heavyweight title.

No date or venue has been announced.

Hollywood, Fl – The main event at the Seminole Hrd Rock Hotel & Casino got off to a fast start and ended fast. Shannon Briggs (55-6-1) put down Michal Marrone (21-4) with a body shot in the second round and Marrone did not beat the count. Both fighters landed but Briggs, although he was cut, was stronger and walked Marrone to the ropes before landing the fight ending shot. Time of stoppage was 2:52 of the second round.

After the fight, Briggs got on the microphone and called out heavyweight kingpin Wladimir Klitschsko before thanking the crowd and the champions who attended the two day event.

The co-main event of the night featured Joshua Tufte (18-1) and Jamal Woods (7-20-3) in another eight rounder. Woods got off to a decent start and looked better 300 dollar loan than what his record would suggest by making the first four rounds close ones. Both fighters fought and landed well throughout the first half of the fight. Starting the fifth, several combinations from Woods bloodied Tufte’s nose in another good round. In round seven, Woods landed several overhand rights one of which buckled Tufte’s knees but the New Yorker stayed on his feet and probably won the last round by being more active. This was a good scrap and the crowd enjoyed it. Judge’s scorecards were 77-75 for Woods overturned by cards of 78-74 and 77-75 for Tufte.

Maurice Harris (26-19-2) and Grover Young (12-16-1) faced off in a bout scheduled for eight rounds. Young was more active and took the fight to the larger Harris and hurt him on a few occasions. In the fifth round, Harris seemed ready to go after several solid shots from Young sent him to the ropes and then hurt him again in the middle of the ring but the New Jersey native made it through. Harris did better in the seventh and both fighters put up a spirited effort in the eighth. In the end, scores were 77-75 for Harris, 77-75 for Young and a 76-76 for a draw that drew boos from the crowd. 15rounds.com had the Young winning 77-75.

For another four rounder, Erik Leander (11-2-0), from Boca Raton, Fl. Met with Antonio Robertson (3-5-1) of Washington D.C. Both fighters showed quick movements but Robertson was more accurate than the “Viking” Leander and managed to consistently land clean overhand rights to take the rounds. Leander put up a good effort in the fourth but by then, Robertson was landing well with both hands. Scores were 39-37 twice for Robertson and 39-37 for Leander. 15rounds.com had the fight 39-37 for Robertson as well.

Ernest Mazyck (8-1-0) and Terrance Marbra (7-3-0) faced off in the fourth bout. Mazyck used his considerable size and reach advantage to press the fight and looked to land hard right hands behind a very decent jab. The quicker Marbra landed a few good shots in the second round to the delight of the crowd but Mazyck’s chin held strong. Again in the third, it was the single pot shots and counter shots from Marbra that made a mark but there appeared not to be enough power behind them to hurt “Zeus” Mazyck. After a similar round four, scores were 38-38 and 40-36 and 39-37 in favor of Terrance Marbra. 15rounds.com had Marbra ahead 39-37 as well scoring only the first round for Mazyck.

Next up were Dieuly Aristilde (9-7-0) and Brandon Spencer (3-11-1) in yet another four round bout. Both fighters swung wildly to little or no effect and wound up in clinches more often than they landed. By the second round the crowd was jeering what looked more like wrestling than boxing. A right hand from Spencer sent Aristilde down early in the fourth and again with about a minute to go. Even with the two knockdowns, the bout was unpleasing to the crowd. Spencer won by scores of 38-36 on all three cards.

The second bout of the night featured undefeated Edwin Alvarez (4-0-0) against Steve Teagle (1-0-0) in another 4 rounder. Both fighters started fast but Alvarez, from Miami, Florida, seemed stronger and better poised. After a few exchanges, a body shot from Alvarez sent Teagal down for the count. Time of stoppage was 1:45.

The night of heavyweights started with local favorite Quadtrine Hill (4-2-0) facing off with Quincey Palmer (9-6-0) in a four round bout. As with the rest of the card, the 10 point-must system was in effect as was the three knockdown rule. An out of shape Palmer chased after Hill who was able to land two and three punch combinations from his southpaw stance. By round two Palmer was cut on the right cheekbone, out of air and had barely landed a significant shot. Palmer landed his best shot of the night at the beginning of round 3 only to have the fight stopped a few seconds later after a good right hand from Hill that rocked him and a follow-up barrage. Time of stoppage was 53 seconds of the third round.

“Never before in history has this been done. You are talking about twenty-some former heavyweight champions of the last forty years are coming together for one big family reunion. All the champs: Larry Holmes, Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson, Wladimir Klitschko and The Champ Shannon Briggs – two-time heavyweight champion.

“On Saturday night expect action. There are eight heavyweight fights with all of the former heavyweight champions sitting around the ring. You see Holyfield sitting right there, then you see Tony Tucker over there, Tony Tubbs, Chris Byrd, Hasim Rahman – this is unreal. It’s never been done before. Thanks to Kris Lawrence of the Heavyweight Factory and the Hard Rock Hotel it is happening.

“I was fat. I was going to Publix every day and eating fast food, fried chicken, ice cream and was in a depression. Then it hit me one day, I said ‘man, I am the champ. Get it together.’ I weighed 380 lbs. Close to 400, sitting on the couch fat and depressed. Everybody that saw me just laughed. I knew I had to do something about it. Look good feel good. So I started changing my diet and I started working out and I started walking – every day. Then I said to myself “Let’s go champ,” then boom it came to me.

“I feel phenomenal. Now I am eating right – nothing but organic food, no juice, no soda, nothing but filtered water. Look at me I’m in the best shape of my life. Look at me – I’m in better shape at 43 then I was at 23.

“I realized that it’s also about the people you are around – if you are around good people then good things happen. If you are around negative people you are going to become negative. If you want to be happy you’ve got to hang around happy people.

“I feel like I am inspiring people. Win lose or draw I will feel good. I get calls every day from people saying thank you because they face adversity and they say to themselves ‘Let’s Go Champ.’

“The heavyweight division needs Shannon Briggs and boxing needs Shannon Briggs.

“I’m in this hot gym every day. It’s 110 degrees every day. They (naysayers) can say what they want. I have been in here for two years straight.

“Klitschko didn’t want to fight me then and he doesn’t want to fight me now, but the people are going to force the fight

“They laughed at George Foreman but then he upset Michael Moorer. This is going to be the biggest upset in boxing history – Shannon ‘The Cannon’ Briggs knocking out Wladimir Klitschko.

“On Wilder: Wilder didn’t want the fight. My partner Kris offered him $2M and he wouldn’t take it. 954-761-5754 – Al Haymon call me right now. I’m ready champ.

“Klitschko is going down hard. I want the title back. I had the title twice but I was young and I was inexperienced and immature. Who would have ever thought that Shannon Briggs grew up. And I feel good. I have a little gray hair on my chin but I feel fifteen years younger than I am.

“Everybody is going to think, wow, I thought he was just this guy having fun and laughing.

“The heavyweight division is back. You’ve got Trevor ‘The Dream’ who won a title Friday night and I am ready to take over the heavyweight division.”

Michael Buffer: Just think if you were walking into a room and there were a group of men that were the MVPs of the last 25 world series. That’s what this is going to be like on September 5 at the Hard Rock. It’s going to be a great night.

Michael Moorer: I have been talking to all of these heavyweight champions over the past couple of months and they are all very excited to come in here for this big weekend. They will all be here.

Mike Marrone: All these people yelling for you in here – they don’t fight for you Shannon. You fight for you. On the fifth, in the ing, it’s just going to be me and you. None of that matters to me because on September 5 I am coming to win.

Shannon Briggs: I am so ready for this fight. I could fight right now. I am looking to do big things and this guy Marrone is in my way. You know I want to fight Klitschko but I have to take care of this guy first and I am ready (looking at Marrone). I am the champ. I am the two-time heavyweight champion of the world and I am in phenomenal shape – the best shape of my life (takes shirt off). Look at me. Look at me now! (steps out in front of podium).

Marrone: So am I. I am ready to fight right now too (leaning over to the edge of his seat).

Hollywood, Fla. (Aug. 11, 2015) – On Saturday, Sept. 5, with more than 20 former world heavyweight champions ringside, former Lineal and World Boxing Organization (WBO) world heavyweight champion Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs will battle Mike Marrone in a 12-round heavyweight bout, headlining “World Heavyweight Champions – Saturday Fight Night” at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

The event’s card features eight heavyweight bouts with world-famous ring announcer Michael Buffer calling the main event to the ring. The ringside area will consist of V.I.P. tables of 10, each with a former world heavyweight champion as a guest-host. Tables are being sold as part of a sponsorship package that will include numerous items, including autographs and photos.

Undisputed world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield will be ringside, as well as reigning WBA, IBF and WBO champion Wladimir Klitschko. Undisputed world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson will be attending festivities leading up to Saturday Fight Night. Other former world heavyweight champions confirmed to attend include Lennox Lewis, Roy Jones Jr., Larry Holmes, Michael Moorer, Riddick Bowe, Ray Mercer, Hasim Rahman, Tony Tucker, Tony Tubbs, James “Bonecrusher” Smith, Michael Bentt, Lamon Brewster, Chris Byrd, John Ruiz, Mike Weaver, Tim Witherspoon, Pinklon Thomas, Leon Spinks, Michael Spinks and Bruce Seldon.

Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs (58-6-1, 51 KOs), from Brooklyn, New York, made his professional debut in 1992 and began his career with 25 consecutive wins. He is the current world-record-holder for 38 first-round knockouts. Briggs defeated George Foreman on Nov. 22, 1997, to become the Lineal Heavyweight Champion and defeated Sergei Liakhovich on Nov. 6, 2005, for the WBO world heavyweight title; he will enter the ring on Sept. 5 to further his quest to defeat a third world heavyweight champion.

Mike Marrone (21-4, 15 KOs) from Vero Beach, Florida, made his professional debut in 2004 and won his first 18 bouts, 12 of which were by knockout. He last fought at the Hard Rock in 2011 and lost a world cruiserweight title fight to Guillermo Jones.

Tickets cost $154, $104 and $54.* All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets online at www.myhrl.com, www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open one hour prior to show start time. *Additional fees may apply.

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About Hard Rock Live
Hard Rock Live, a spectacular state-of-the-art facility, further expands the ultimate entertainment experience at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. This 5,500-seat indoor arena has attracted more than 3 million people since its opening in 2005 and has regularly hosted South Florida’s greatest variety of musical acts such as Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Marc Anthony, Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli, Tim McGraw and Carlos Santana; top comedians including Chris Rock, Robin Williams, Kathy Griffin and George Lopez; as well as major sporting events and events of major sports stars, from UFC matches to charity galas for Jason Taylor, Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade and more. For additional information, please visit www.hardrocklivehollywoodfl.com or www.myhrl.com.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, is a Green Lodging-Certified, AAA Four Diamond-rated resort showcasing 469 luxurious guest rooms, award-winning restaurants, high-energy nightlife, boutique retail shops, Rock Spa, 40,000 square feet of meeting room space and the 5,500-seat Hard Rock Live concert arena. As South Florida’s premier destination for fun and entertainment, Seminole Hard Rock offers over 100 table games of Blackjack, Baccarat and more on a nearly three-acre casino floor. In addition, 2,000 slots include linked Multi-Area Progressive Jackpots and Mega Jackpots. Fine dining options include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the resort’s signature steakhouse, and Kuro, offering new-style Japanese cuisine. The poker room, located in Seminole Paradise, hosts various games and tournaments of Limit and No Limit Texas Hold ’em, 7-Card Stud and two-dollar and four-dollar-limit Omaha Hi Lo games. Located inside the casino is Hard Rock Cafe – Hollywood, part of Hard Rock’s 153 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll restaurants.

For more information, call (954) 327-ROCK or (800) 937-0010, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, or follow us on Facebook: @SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly.

Oklahoma City, OK (June 24, 2014) – Former heavyweight champion Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs looks to get back in the title hunt when he faces former WBO Latino titlist Raphael Zumbano Love Saturday evening in the main event of HD Boxing’s “Cathedral Rumble” at Remington Park in Oklahoma City.

A limited number of tickets for “Cathedral Rumble” are still available at www.stubwire.com/event/cathedralrumbleatremingtonpresentedbywarriorsforfreedom/remingtonpark/oklahomacity/7866/. Doors open at 7 pm and the first bout is scheduled for 8.

All fans and media are also invited to attend the weigh in 6:30 pm Friday at Hooters, located at 3025 Northwest Expressway in Oklahoma City.

One of the most colorful fighters in history, Briggs has dynamic power in both hands, notching 48 knockouts in his 54 victories. Since a gutsy decision loss against then-WBC kingpin Vitali Klitschko, Briggs has been a man on a mission, knocking out all three of his opponents in the opening round. The Miami based Brooklynite has been chasing Klitschko’s younger brother and current unified heavyweight champion Wladimir during the last few months, with the hopes that another victory could earn him a shot.

Love has an outstanding professional record of 34 wins against only 7 defeats and 1 draw, with 27 of his victories coming by way of knockout. Hailing from Brazil and currently based in the boxing crazed city of Las Vegas, NV, Love is riding a wave of confidence, stopping Manoel Rodrigues de Souza (21-4) in 33 seconds last December.

Briggs meets Zumbano for the NABA heavyweight championship over 12 rounds.

In a special attraction bout, Trey Lippe-Morrison looks to go 3-0 when he challenges Marvin Babe in a four round heavyweight contest. A Tulsa, OK native, Lippe-Morrison’s the son of the late, great Tommy Morrison and has received international attention from various media outlets.

Rising junior welterweight star Haskell “Hackman” Rhodes of Spencer, OK puts his 20-0 ledger on the line against veteran John Revish in a 6 rounder. Rhodes, who is trained by Floyd Mayweather Sr. and served as a sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao, is considered by many industry insiders to have world championship potential.

“I’m extremely excited about Saturday’s card,” said Bobby Dobbs, Co-Owner of HD Boxing. “Not only will fans get to witness a heavyweight bout where the winner will likely fight for a world title in the immediate future, but they’ll enjoy bouts featuring two of our most notable local fighters. Trey’s got a great story as many of you know but he’s an excellent puncher as well, while I think the sky’s the limit for Lydell. Make sure to come out on Saturday night because this will be a great evening of boxing!”

In addition to the aforementioned bouts, local stars light heavyweight Tracy Sneed, heavyweight Ty Cobb, junior welterweight Daniel Tran and welterweight Edwin Williams will all appear on the card.

DUBAI (Dec. 27) – Boxing superstar Amir ‘King’ Khan and former WBO heavyweight champion Shannon ‘The Cannon’ Briggs will be the honoured guests for the official grand opening of Dubai’s most outstanding fitness, boxing and MMA facility – EMD Fitness.

The centre of excellence, located in Sunset Mall, is the brainchild of the UAE’s leading professional boxer Eisa Al Dah and will host the former unified light-welterweight world champion, Khan, and heavyweight hitman, Briggs, at 6pm local time on Monday December 30th.

EMD Fitness offers the very best in training and workout services, and is spread across 15,000 square feet, providing a panoramic glass view of Dubai’s stunning Jumeirah Beach.

Al Dah has a great relationship with both Khan and Briggs, and the visit of boxing royalty to the Middle East region offers the chance to help familiarise locals with some of the fight games top names.

Khan has enjoyed an illustrious career in the sport having made his mark at just 17 years of age when he captured an Olympic silver medal for Great Britain in 2004, as his country’s sole representative.

He has gone on to succeed at the highest levels as a professional having won the WBA light-welterweight world title against Andriy Kotelnik in 2009, before unifying the tough 140 pound division with a scintillating knockout performance against Zab Judah to claim the IBF world title.

Likewise, Brooklyn native Briggs stamped his mark after winning the WBO heavyweight championship when he stopped the durable Siarhei Liakhovich in the 12th round in 2006.

Eisa Al Dah, said: “It’s great to have these two superstars of boxing visit our excellent new facilities. We firmly believe that EMD Fitness is already Dubai’s premier venue for boxing, MMA and general fitness training. The staff, services and equipment at our disposal is immense and second to none. The fact we are able to attract leading names such as Amir Khan, who I have a tremendous relationship with, goes to show that we have so much to offer. I’m sure Amir and Shannon will be left very impressed with the facilities and our overall philosophy at EMD Fitness.”

Amir Khan, said: “I’m looking forward to my visit to Dubai for the official opening of EMD Fitness. It’s an area of the world I love. I have always wanted to try and do my part to help boxing grow in this region because I believe there is so much potential in Dubai and the Middle East. Boxing is a great sport which helps to teach discipline, keep people of the street and just help with general fitness. I can’t wait to see and test the facilities at EMD Fitness because I have heard many good things about it. I’m forward to seeing Eisa, his team and all the fans – it’s going to be a great experience.”

WHO: Amir Khan and Shannon Briggs

WHEN: 6pm GST on Monday December 30th

WHERE: Jumeirah 3, Level 2 Sun Set Mall, Jumeirah Road, Dubai, U.A.E., P.O.Box 183241 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

There is a reason that New Yorkers have garnered a reputation for being tough. On Saturday, Brooklyn’s Shannon Briggs embodied that reputation by going the distance with WBC heavyweight champion, Vitali Klitschko.

In doing so, Briggs became just the third fighter to ever go to the scorecards with the dominant Ukrainian. Unfortunately, his doing so also meant paying a steep price, one that could have and should have been avoided.

A first round bicep injury to Brigg’s left arm went undetected by ESPN3.com’s broadcast team of announcer Jon Anik and analyst BJ Flores, but surely not by Briggs, who didn’t come out as aggressive as anticipated. Post-fight knowledge of the injury puts the pieces together as to why Briggs shied away from throwing the haymakers he promised the pre-fight press conferences.

From the opening bell, Briggs was never in this fight. Klitschko controlled the action throughout, using his stiff jab to keep his shorter opponent on the outside. The big Ukranian effortlessly landed crushing rights at will, repeatedly finding on the left side of Brigg’s face. By round six, it was clear that Klitschko would retain his title. The only question left unanswered was whether or not Briggs would make it to the final bell.

As I watched Klitschko dominate round after round, I was brought back to September 2009 when “Dr. Iron Fist” battered Chris Arreola around the Staples Center ring for ten full rounds.

Klitschko easily won all ten rounds against the “Nightmare”, continually landing his vicious rights against Arreola’s ever-swelling face. While Arreola sat on his stool waiting for the round eleven bell to sound, trainer Henry Ramirez stepped in and told referee Jon Schorle to stop the bout.

When Ramirez stopped the fight, Arreola’s immediate reaction was one of devastation and disappointment. As he got up from his stool, Arreola screamed “No!” at Ramirez and raw emotion in the form of tears began to stream down the “Nightmare’s” red puffy face.

Although it was against his fighter and good friend’s will, Ramirez saw that Arreola didn’t even possess a fighter’s chance by the time round ten had ended and consequently threw in the towel.

Conversely, with regards to Brigg’s courageous efforts against the elder Klitschko, the “Cannon” was apparently calling his own shots.

“Despite prior reports, throughout the contest my trainer, Herman Caicedo wanted to stop the fight, but I made it clear that stopping was not an option. Thank you for all of your support and hopefully I showed you the heart of a lion and the perseverance of a Champion,” said Briggs in a released statement following the bout.

Nobody questions the heart of Briggs or Arreola (at least when he is in the ring). If Arreola had his way, he would have fought the championship rounds against Klistchko.

While Ramirez stepped in and saved his fighter from taking excessive, unnecessary abuse, Caicedo stayed quiet, letting his defenseless fighter take absorb a cringeworthy amount of punishment.

Perhaps Caicedo let him go because he — and Briggs — are both well aware that the fighter is well onto the back nine of boxing’s golf course, only a hole or two away from heading into the clubhouse and calling it a career. For the former WBO heavyweight champion, it was do or die, and Caicedo knew it.

Conversely, when the “Nightmare” was stopped by Klitschko last September, it can be presumed that it was Ramirez’s intent was to preserve his young fighter’s future, learn a lesson, and move on.

When thinking about the two fights and how both played out, I wondered if Briggs was in Arreola’s position at the time of the Klitschko fight — a young undefeated contender — would Caicedo have thrown in the towel and saved his guy for another day? My honest guess would be yes — the logic be that you’ll work your way back into contention down the road. But with this being a last hurrah type fight for Briggs, Caicedo let his guard down and failed to appropriately look after his fighter’s safety, as did British referee Ian John-Lewis, for that matter.

There is no doubting the heart of Briggs, who fought thirty-six minutes with Klitschko and was never sent to the canvass. Unfortunately for Shannon the Cannon, he went from spending time with “Dr. Iron Fist” to spending time with German doctors afterwards as he was found to have a suffered torn ligament in his left arm, multiple facial fractures, and a concussion.

Let this be a lesson in unnecessary punishment. There was no way Briggs was going to quit on his stool — he has too much pride, too much courage. But as a trainer, part of your job is protecting your fighter — not only preserving your boxer’s future in the sport, but also a healthy future outside of the ring.

Kyle Kinder can be reached at Twitter.com/KyleKinder

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Former Heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs went to the hospital in Hamburg, Germany after his twelve round beatdown defeat at the hands of WBC Heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko.

Now, he is in Hamburg’s Eppendorf University Hospital with a broken left orbital bone in his face, a broken nose and a torn left biceps, Empire Sports and Entertainment promoter Greg Cohen told ESPN.com.

“He was banged up pretty bad,” Cohen said, shortly after arriving back in New York on Sunday. “The CT scan came back normal, thank God. Shannon wants to get out of there as soon as possible, but he’ll be there for a little bit longer. He’s devastated. He really thought he was going to win.”

“His biceps is a very serious injury and they have to do surgery, and he’ll probably be there for a week,” Cohen said. “It might require more than one surgery.”

I wouldn’t be here [in New York] if he wasn’t OK,” Cohen said. “He was in intensive care after the fight for precautionary reasons. The injuries are not life-threatening. He’s just banged up, but it’s not life-threatening or very serious. Other than the injuries I described, everything else is OK.

“He walked out of the arena on his own. They wanted to put him on as stretcher, but he wouldn’t let them. He’s going to be fine.”

“He trained for this. He was 100 percent ready mentally and physically, but I wish they would have stopped it around the eighth round,” Cohen said. “I love Shannon. He’s like family to me. As a human being, he is much more important to me than as an athlete. So it was tough to watch. But Shannon did not want them stopping this fight. I wish they didn’t listen to him, but I understand. I spoke to his corner after one of the rounds and Shannon was telling him, ‘I’m OK, I’m going to get him.’ Even after the 11th round, he thought he was still going to do it. His will was never broken. If I was in the corner, I would have stopped it. But I’m the promoter, not the cornerman.

“I don’t blame the referee at all. The referee did a good job. And I don’t blame the corner. I understand, but my preference would have been for it to be stopped.”

In what has become typical Klitschko fashion, Vitali Klitschko retained the WBC Heavyweight title with a twelve round one-sided unanimous decision over former WBO champion Shannon Briggs in front of a pro-Klitschko crowd at O2 Arena in Hamburg, Germany.

Klitshcko used his three inch height advantage to land one-two cominations over the first handful of rounds. Briggs did not have much answer except for an occasional body shot.

Round six was a good one for the champ as Klitshcko started to put his punches together with most of them striking the face of Briggs. Round seven saw Klitshcko start to double and triple up his long jab that he would follow with flush right hands. Klitschko had Briggs in a lot of trouble as he landed crushing shots that backed the challenger up against the ropes as the round ended. As each round wore on it became less competitive with the only thing is question would be Klitschko getting a stoppage victory.

Klitshcko rocked Briggs at the end of then ninth and throughout the tenth with referee Ian Jon Lewis looking on and he would be have been fine to stop the bout at any time but Briggs took a beating and even was talking to champ as he was eating leather. It was during that round that blood started appearing from around the nose of Briggs.

It was more of the same over the final six minutes with Klitschko dominating the action but somehow Briggs was able to see the final bell.

Klitschko, 252 lbs of Kiev, Ukraine won by scores of 120-105; 120-107 and 120-107 to go to 41-2. Briggs, 263 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is now 51-6-2

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that WBC Heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko will defend his belt against former WBO champion Shannon Briggs on October 16th in Hamburg, Germany.

“Contracts are signed, everything is done,” Said Bernd Boente, who manages Klitschko adding that there will be news conferences to make the formal announcement in Klitschko’s native Kiev, Ukraine, on Aug. 30 and another in Hamburg, his adopted hometown, on Aug. 31.

“I am very happy that I am finally fighting in Hamburg again. I started in Hamburg as a pro [in 1996],” said Klitschko, who hasn’t fought there since a 1999 knockout of Obed Sullivan. “The O2 World is a fantastic arena and the fans in Hamburg know their boxing, and a great atmosphere is guaranteed.”

“Shannon Briggs is an unbelievable trash-talker, but he is definitely a very strong challenger,” Klitschko said. “He has huge experience, has way more professional fights than I have and is one of the hardest punchers in the heavyweight division. I know I will have to prepare myself with my coach [Fritz Sdunek] very intensely.”

Said Boente: “It’s a very interesting matchup. Vitali has to be prepared very well because Briggs is very dangerous for the first six or seven rounds and you can’t underestimate the guy. Vitali knows this not a walkover. You know Briggs. He can show up as a really good fighter and perform on world-class level, or he can show up like he did in the [Sultan] Ibragimov fight and just walk around the ring.”

“I tried for a long time to get into the ring with one of the Klitschkos. Now it’s time to write history,” Briggs said. “Most of their opponents [expletive] in their pants before they enter the ring. But I will put a lot of pressure on Klitschko. Klitschko can look at his WBC belt for a couple of more weeks. After Oct. 16, it belongs to me.

“I have been in touch with [ESPN programmer] Doug Loughrey and hopefully we can work something again for Vitali’s fight,” Boente said.

Earlier today in Cardiff, Wales whilst attending the WBC “Night of Champions” Shannon Briggs 51-5-1 (45) confirmed to 15rounds.com that he had signed to fight Vitali Klitschko for Klitschko’s WBC title on 16 October in Hamburg, Germany.

Briggs 38, returned to the ring in late 2009 and has won three straight this year all by first round KO since his two and a half year lay off. He will be hoping to become a two time champion and seems highly motivated to achieve that goal.

At the Capitale New York ballroom in the SoHo district of Manhattan a night of rugged boxing was expected in a luxurious venue. Shannon Briggs (49-5-1, 29 KO’s; 268lbs) headlined the event as he expected to take another step towards regaining the heavyweight crown he once held.

His opponent, Dominique Alexander (19-8-1, 9 KO’s; 228), was terribly outweighed and totally outclassed. The opening bell rang and Briggs came out and immediatly tested his opponents will…with a very light flurry that hit nothing but arms. Alexander responded by hitting the deck and refused to get up. It was an absolutely pathetic showing that will likely bring about an investigation. Briggs scored a first round TKO in one of the most uneventful fights ever.

The co-feature of the evening featured prospect Mike Faragon (10-0, 4 KO’s; 136 1/4lbs against Francisco Palacios (4-10-5, 1 KO; 137lbs). Faragon controlled the bout from the onset. His nickname is “Baby Face” and he really does have the face of a child, but his ring smarts coupled with a variety of offensive weapons shows why he is a man amongst men in the early goings of his career.

Faragon was able to land hooks to the body and upstairs around Palacios’ weak guard all night. Despite and occasional flurry, Palacios did not have much to offer in response. After the third round, Palacios voiced to his corner that he felt discomfort in his right arm. The ringside physicians took their time in assessing the matter and eventually allowed him one more round to see if the discomfort would subside.

In the fourth round, Faragon pounced on his hurt opponent and tried to take advantage. Despite the beating, Palacios made it out of the round only to see the fight waved off as his discomfort continued. Faragon was credited with a TKO victory at 3:00 of the fourth round.

Hot prospect and former Olympian, Saddam Ali (6-0, 3 KO’s; 151lbs) was set to face the very experienced, Martinus Clay (13-25-4, 5 KO’s; 154lbs) over a scheduled four round bout. You read it right… This is Ali vs. Clay. The bout started out with both fighters establishing their rhythm. Ali worked a strong jab to the body, while Clay utilized the journeyman technique of ducking low, rolling his shoulder, and exposing his back so as to take punches easily and hopefully surprise his opponent when he tires. Ali has fought many styles as an amateur and during sparring sessions with world champions.

Midway through the round, Ali was able to land a right uppercut that put Clay on the defensive. The second and third rounds were all about Ali’s right hand, as he was landing them at will. Clay had nothing in response.

In the fourth round, Ali worked his left hook; hurting Clay and putting him in an even more defensive posture than before. He survived the round but lost it, and every other round. All three judges ruled it 40-36 in favor of Ali.

As if a professional debut is not pressure enough, Sean Monaghan (173 1/2lbs) made his professional debut in front of hundreds of his loud hometown. He was set to face Simeon Trigueno (0-3; 167lbs). Both fighters started the fight hoping to lure the other into making a mistake by feinting often. It did not take long before what appeared to be a body shot sent Trigueno down to a knee for an eight count. He was back up and seemed fine as the round continued. As the round neared to an end, a crushing right hand from Monaghan sent Trigueno down and flat on his back.

He beat the count, and the bell to end the round, but the ringside doctor put an end to the bout citing an injury. Monaghan was credited with a first round TKO.

An exciting back and forth brawl took place between Hastings Bwalya(2-0, 2KO’s; 149 1/4lbs) and Ashante Hendrickson (2-6; 148lbs). The fight started out as a very physical one. Both fighters wrestled often and butted heads often. Bwalya took the early lead, as he was able to land his right hand more frequently than Hendrickson. It was a scrappy affair throughout the six rounds. Bwalya maintained control with his more precise shots and better defense, but be had some tough moments in the third and fifth rounds. After the bout ended, the judges ruled it 59-55, 58-56, and 58-56 for Hastings Bwalya.

In a heavyweight bout, Alexis Mejias (10-4, 4 KO’s; 238lbs) took on Bowie Tupou (18-1, 4 KO’s; 254lbs). The fight started out in thrilling fashion. Both fighters took turns landing hard hooks in combination. Out of nowhere, Mejias was able to land a right hook that was near the back of Tupou’s head, and score a flash knockdown. Tupou was no phased, but it was quite a surprise. In the second round, both fighters continued their fast paced fight, and Tupou was landing hard hooks to the side of Mejias’ head. Late in the round, Meijas landed a flurry that hit nothing but Tupou’s arms. As the round ended, Meijas was showing discomfort.

As it turns out, he was injured and a discussion took place as to how to rule the bout. Eventually, Tupou was credited with a second round TKO due to a stoppage by the ringside physician.

In the first bout if the evening, cruiserweights, Angel Concepcion (179lbs) made his professional debut against Charles Wade (1-5, 1KO). Wade began the fight looking confident. His physique was especially good for a fighter with such a dismal record. Not long into the first did we find out why Wade holds the record that he does. His defense is non-existant. Over the course of four rounds, Concepcion was able to land right hand after right hand. His connect rate was amazing. The action remained one sided over the course of four rounds and all three judges 40-35 for Concepcion.

PHOTOS BY CLAUDIA BOCANEGRA

Brad Marchetti- Charismatic Brooklyn bomber Shannon Briggs will make his return to the ring Friday April 13th against Rafael Pedro in a 10-round main event from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The 38-year old American heavyweight contender Briggs, 48-5-1, 42 KO’s, is coming off a dominating 1st round KO over journeyman Marcus McGee. Briggs’s opponent Rafael “The Cuban Giant“ Pedro, 20-8-1, 14 KO’s, is capable skyscraper 6’7” heavyweight that has only been stopped once and should provide a good litmus test for the deadly punching Briggs. Shannon has been hard at work training out of Kris Lawrence’s Heavyweight Factory and from his slimmed down physique he looks poised for another run at the heavyweight title. Tickets are on sale now for the April 13th show that will feature a strong undercard littered with promising young prospects from boxing’s glamorous heavyweight division.

Shannon Briggs was inactive for 30 months before smashing McGee in his last bout but he has shown the resiliency to bounce back from low points in his career before. Briggs revived his career in 2003 by reeling off 12 straight wins after most boxing scribes had written him off. With improved footwork and counterpunching skills Briggs reclaimed the heavyweight title in 2007 with a dramatic 12th round KO over Sergey Lyakhovich for the W.B.O strap. In his first title defense Briggs was on the losing end of a 12-round decision to Sultan Ibragimov in a fight where he was severely depleted due to a case of pneumonia shortly before the bout. Like a true warrior Briggs showed up to the job but he clearly wasn’t himself against Sultan. The 6’4” 270 Lb. Briggs at 100% health is a dangerous fighter with the power to remove any heavyweight in the world from their senses. April 13th will be Shannon’s chance to show why “The Cannon” is still a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division.

Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com by phone at 800-745-3000 tickets can be purchased at The Hard Rock Hotel Box Office in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former two-time heavyweight title holder, Shannon Briggs tested positive for a banned substance following his first round knockout over Marcus McGee on December 3rd in New York City.

The bout was changed to a no contest. Briggs was also suspended for 90 days by the New York State Athletic Commission, according to Ivaylo Gotzev, Briggs’ manager.

Gotzev declined to identify the substance that Briggs tested positive for but told ESPN.com on Saturday night that the test result came about because of medication he takes for asthma, which he has battled for years.

“Shannon is on enough medication to kill a horse because of his asthma,” Gotzev said. “All the medications he takes, other people couldn’t even get out of bed. But he’s out there running and training and fighting. He’s not a steroid user or a drug user. He’s using medication. We’re consulting with his physicians and seeing how we can make the proper adjustments so this doesn’t happen again.

“Maybe he needs to stay off certain medications before fights. I don’t know. I’m not the doctor. But Shannon is on a number of medications due to his asthma. He had something found by the commission, and we’ve dealt with that.”

“Shannon is a fighter, so whatever comes our way we’ll be ready, be it MMA or boxing,” Gotzev said. “If it makes sense, why not give MMA a try? I don’t think [UFC heavyweight champion] Brock Lesnar gets past Shannon’s jab.”

“I have sat down with [Chris Arreola’s promoter] Dan Goossen and if he’s not lying through his teeth, he’s said several times on several occasions that he’s looking at Shannon as a possible opponent for Cris.