Shannon Briggs is one of the most entertaining characters in world boxing.
Now 53 years old, Briggs was a big puncher with a brash personality who is maybe best known for his catchphrase “Let’s go champ!” It was that repeated cry with which he taunted Wladimir Klitschko while chasing the then-world champion around the world in pursuit of a shot at his belts, on one occasion even turning up on a boat to a river where Klitschko was paddle-boarding. He never ultimately got a shot at the Ukrainian.
Brooklyn-born ‘The Cannon’s’ career began in 1992, and his last fight was in 2016. Along the way, he held the lineal heavyweight title from 1997 to 1998, and the WBO strap from 2006 to 2007.
He became the lineal heavyweight champion in 1997 after defeating George Foreman via controversial decision, and won the WBO title when he defeated Siarhei Liakhovich in the last few seconds of the fight having been down on the cards.
He also fought the likes of Lennox Lewis, Vitali Klitschko, Ray Mercer and Francis Botha and has one of the highest knockout-to-win ratios in heavyweight history, with more than 60 in all from his total of 68 fights.
Speaking to FightHype, Briggs revealed the date and place he says he will be making his return after 10 yeas out of the ring.
“Yes champ, July 1st, he’s back, look at him y’all, he’s the champ, Shannon the Cannon, two-time heavyweight champion of the world.
July 1st, Nashville, Tennessee, 10 years off, 10 years back y’all.”
As of writing no opponent has been confirmed.
