Don't think for a moment it is not a strategy between the two brothers .. each one fights guys who match up better against them ... Notice never a Wlad rematch with Sanders or Peter ? Vitali took out the only opponents that had shot of taking out Wlad's china chin ...
The disapointing thing with this is Valuev sounded very willing to get something on and that would be an interesting fight. If he beat Valuev impressively that would do something for his legacy, this will not, and Briggs is a little risky early
If the fight resembles anything close to Lennox Lewis Shannon Briggs, Ill be happy. We havent seen an exciting heavyweight fight in close to a decade. Briggs is hyped, he will take a shot early and then falter. Lets see if Vitali can handle it, Briggs can bang, and he has good accuracy hitting tall guys with his righthand. As I said it will be interesting for three rounds. If this fight goes to HBO, you know HBO wanted Briggs, because they offer the opponents, not the manager of the fighter. They want excitement, they dont want a pu**y sticking his tongue out and laying on the ropes like Johnson. I agree with Mr. Bill, Briggs stamina always sucked whether he was 27 or 37, the weight at 255 260 wont be much of a factor as Briggs turns into a mouse after three or four anyway.
Shannon Briggs still carry's a lot of power into the ring and has supposedly been trying to trim down. He is still formidable and has not really been in any wars. Believe me the 70's, 80's and 90's had a lot more of less talented no name opponents fighting for the title...these are too older guys but should be an interesting fight. I would have like to see Briggs fight one more contender but who would be impressed if he did. Can he beat Areola, Thompson, Chambers, Brock,Austin, or the rest...could be
I´d laugh my ass of if Briggs somehow would manage to KO Vitali. Would shut up his nuthuggers. I like Vitali but his fanboys are really annoying.
I think Briggs has the handspeed and power to concern Vitali, to concern anyone at the moment, but he's just far too immobile these days. I think Vitali will be able to circle rings around him and pick him apart from range with ease. Vitali can't afford to get lackadaisical in there, like he did for a round or two against Sosnowski, but if he isn't heavy favourite I'll eat my hat. I don't own a hat, I'd be prepared to go out and buy one just to eat for that special occasion.
Briggs can still punch. The trouble is he won't land much on Vitali, and even if he does, Vitali has shown an A plus chin. The odds Briggs winning by KO are in my estimation about 20-1. Losses that happen to 39 year old boxers do not affect their legacy.
If David Tua hammers Montell Barrett in wicked fashion, I'd like to see TEAM TUAMAN scream bloody murder for a title shot..... Tua ain't got too many more "Tomorrows" left in him.... Either Tua secures a title shot in 2011 for sure, or hang up the gloves for good...... MR.BILLscaredas:
And Wlad actually took out very good fighters(Chris Byrd) who Vitali didn't beat. Wlad's resume looks far better than Vitali's if you go through the whole list...and the gap will only widen when Wlad beats undefeated top contender olympic gold medalist Povetkin, and Vitali beats on old gooftrooper shannon briggs. Say what you want about Wlad's china chin..at least he doesn't have the pain tolerance and mental toughness of a 2 year old child like Vitali does. Notice Vitali never avenged his losses either? At least Wlad rematched and destroyed Lamon Brewsrer the 2nd time.
Vitali may have an A chin, but his heart and mental toughness are around a D + at best. But two losses at the prime age of 28 to the two best boxers you ever fought DO hurt your legacy :good The excuses are already in!