Briggs faces Kenyan Olympian

Paul Upham: Australian light heavyweight champion Paul “Hurricane” Briggs (pictured) defends his belt this Friday night at Southport Sharks in Queensland against Kenyan Olympian Peter Kariuki.
“He’s tall and gangly and he has a go. He’s very willing, but very open to a right hand, which is going to be pretty detrimental to him,” said Briggs, 13-1 (11), of his opponent.

“I think for as long as it lasts, it’s going to be a cracker. It’s going to be a lot harder than many people think because he’s only got five fights. He’s had a good amateur career.”

24 year-old Kariuki,3-1-1 (3), competed at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney and compiled a 58-9 record as an amateur.

“Briggs is a good fighter. I watched one of his fights on tape and he seems to have a good punch,” said Kariuki.

“I am very confident for this fight. I have been training very hard and I am ready to go.”

Leaving behind his mother, three brothers and two sisters in Kenya, Kariuki is determined to become a successful professional boxer with a world title belt around his waist.

“It’s great being here in Australia. A wonderful place to be,” he said. “My mother, she is very happy that I am here in Australia, where it is greener pastures than Kenya. I want to stay here and become world champion and become a proud Australian.”

Based in Adelaide, Kariuki made his professional debut in December 2000, wining his first three fights by knockout before a close draw with tough Sydney fighter Jason Delisle on Kieran O’Connor’s “Respect 1” card at Randwick Race course last July.

The Kenyan lost a close points rematch with Delisle in September, but showed that he is a very capable boxer with an excellent chin and now he is hoping to beat one of Australia’s rising stars.

“I think Briggs has a lot of talent and is a very fit boxer,” said Kariuki’s manager and trainer Col Betty.

“He’s a good body puncher and we have worked out a strategy to fight him. Peter has a very good chin and he’s a good puncher. I think Peter is in with a very good chance. When he’s hurt he comes back like a wounded hornet.”

“Peter has a great build with a lot of potential. He doesn’t carry any spare weight, is tall and has a long reach. He is very happy for the chance to fight for the Australian light heavyweight title. He just wants to prove himself and Briggs is the man to beat to make a name for yourself.”

“I have good footwork and I know how to box. I have a good punch and I can knock Paul Briggs out, but I can go the distance if I have to,” said Kariuki.

Also on the Jamie Myer seven fight promotion, Phil Gregory vs. Steve Yorath for the Queensland heavyweight title and powerhouse Lisa Marie Vizinari vs. Kylie Courtney at heavyweight in a special women’s attraction. Tickets are on sale at Southport Sharks or from Jamie Myer on 0438 246178 with doors opening at 6pm and the first bout at 7pm.

26 year-old Briggs is planning to stay very busy and already has fights scheduled for March 4 on Kieran O’Connor’s “Respect 6” card at Jupiters Casino for the IBF Pan-Pacific and OPBF titles and again on April 19 in Melbourne.

“I have to take it one fight at a time, but they are the titles that I want to get me rated on the world scene,” said Briggs.

“This year we are looking at every fight being substantial and another step up the ladder for me. I’m not expecting a quick knockout with Peter and am looking for seven or eight rounds under my belt.”


Paul Upham
Contributing Editor