After a 2-1/2 year layoff, Briggs returned in Dec. 2009 and has stopped four straight opponents in the first round. That's the good news. The bad news is that all four opponents were there to be knocked out and the first fight was later changed to a no contest when Briggs tested positive for a banned substance (reportedly an asthma medication).
The defining win of Briggs' career was a controversial 12 round majority decision over a 48-year-old George Foreman in the final bout of Big George's career (1997). He also won a WBO belt with a 12th round stoppage of Sergei Liakhovich in 2006. Briggs, who tends to have stamina issues, has five losses: Darroll Wilson (TKO 3), Lennox Lewis (TKO 5), Sedrick Fields (L 8), Jameel McCline (L 10) and Sultan Ibragimov (L 12).
Comments
This is another bad event for the division, another nonfight not worth watching and certainly not worth paying for on pay per view. The Ukraine has defeated the world and made meaningless the once interesting heavyweight division. The brothers are upright, slow and plodding European style fighte who carefully select opponents they can easily beat and fight in front of friendly crowds and judges and fans who really don’t care who they fight. I found a younger Briggs colorful and a guy who had a punch, but it is clear he was picked to not be much of a threat.Even if he can land a punch and can even win–always possible–all it would mean would be that a less than competitive heavyweight replaces a less than real heavyweight. If David Tua ever gets his act together, a really interesing fight might happen.
Donald, you are right in every point, it’s waste of time to watch, Vitali doesn’t want to fight David Tua because he knows he is giving away his titles.
I cant believe the commentary David Tua wouldn’t last 3 rounds
I don’t think Tua has ever been stopped and knocked down only once. He is 51-3-3 with 43 KO. Amateur is an amazing 84-5 and 72 KO. He has more first round KO than anyone except Tyson and holds 2-3 minor belts. He has beaten a good Rahman, young Ruiz, Oquendo, Maskaev and Moorer. He is 38 and has had management and I suspect attitude issues. If he gets it together and maybe a good performance, he is certainly a serious opponent (but I do not think either of the brothers will tempt fate and give him a shot).
David Tua is a great fighter. I cannot see Tua successful against the size of the Klitschko brothers. Tua’s left hand could not reach Lennox Lewis so I don’t see either Klitschko having a problem with him. I would like to see David Haye against Tomasz Adamek. Haye’s speed would probably take Adamek. The winner against David Tua could be interesting as slugger Tua walked through boxer Michael Moore. In a fantasy match, concerning left hooks and everything being equal, I would have been afraid for Joe Frazier against David Tua. But, getting close to tall champions with great defenses, I question his having the goods. If Tua gets a choice, he should select Wladimir as Vitali would probably knock Tua into next week.