Former somewhat of a rival of Wladimir Klitschko, Shannon Briggs has commented on the Ukrainian’s decision to retire from professional boxing. The two certainly had their differences but at the end of the day, it is still about respect.
“A legend is retired. He’s a true legend. He’s a true champion. We hate to see him go. Let’s go champ,” told Briggs to TMZ Sports.
The vocal boxer continued to praise Klitschko.
“If you look throughout history, his size – who could have dealt with him? He’s had his losses but he’s had great victories. He was definitely a true champion,” he said.
Briggs was known for doing his best to agitate Klitschko in hopes of landing a fight against the heavyweight legend. The American followed him and tormented him at restaurants, press conferences, and other places. But unfortunately, he never managed to get the fight itself.
“I think it would have been a great fight for boxing. Win, lose or draw, because the animosity was there, the build up was there, the history was there. It would have been a great fight,” said Briggs.
And obviously, Briggs had a prediction should the fight have happened.
“I’m going for the knockout. That’s what I do. I’m ‘The Cannon’. I think I would have put the pressure on him. Especially later in his career. I would have knocked him out cold! I’m sad he’s gone champ!”