Fenech slams 'criminal' title fight.

....there was always going to be a response to Fenech's article:


Briggs, Green talk up fight, amid Fenech's mismatch claims

JAMIE PANDARAM - SMH - July 20 2010


PAUL BRIGGS has refuted claims he would be a punching bag for Danny Green in tomorrow night's world title fight, following the assertion from his part-time trainer Jeff Fenech that he was virtually no chance of defeating the IBO cruiserweight champion.

''I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't think I could win,'' said Briggs, before his return to the ring after retiring three years ago. ''I'm coming to give Danny nightmares.''

Green (29-3, 26KO) is approaching the bout with caution, aware that Briggs (26-3, 18KO) has the power to finish him with one clean shot despite his ring-rust.
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''That's what makes this dangerous, I've got everything to lose, he's got everything to gain,'' Green said. ''It's a massive opportunity for Briggsy, a huge opportunity for him, so if he can be victorious on Wednesday night, well, then the world's his oyster professionally and financially.

''He knows that, we know that and that's why I've just got to stay cool and keep a smile on my face and stay relaxed in order to be at my best … and I'm going to have to be at my best.

''He's a born fighter, he's been fighting since he was a kid. I don't have to sit here and try and drum this fight up, I don't care if no one watches the fight, that's cool with me.

''My job is to defend that world title belt that's been wrapped around my waist. It's gonna be one hell of a stoush and I anticipate being pretty sore a week after the fight.

''If you're aware of his power and his intensity and his ferocity, he doesn't care about who's in front of him, I've got to remain switched on and take care of Briggsy because he can end the fight with one punch, as I can, too.''

Green dismissed Fenech's criticisms that the fight would be a huge mismatch because Briggs had not been given adequate time to prepare.

''I totally disagree with what he's saying,'' Green said. ''I think he's a little bit bitter. I know why he's saying it - he's saying it, really, because he's trying to downplay the fight.

''He doesn't really have any involvement or control over the fight and because he doesn't do anything in support of boxing, I don't really think he wants to help the sport at all or see it prosper.

''Briggsy, at this weight and with the attitude of nothing to lose, he makes a very dangerous opposition … so the only reason [Fenech] would say that is to downplay the fight.

''It's an unfortunate attitude to have and to be that bitter from a sport that's jaded him that much, it's a bit of a shame really."

New Zealander Shane Cameron awaits Green if he successfully defends his crown. Cameron, who will fight on the undercard against Daniel Ammann, is dropping from heavyweight to cruiserweight to challenge Green, and said the challenge of stripping 16 kilograms to make 90kg limit was not an issue.

''I feel this is the division for me. I fought as an amateur at the Commonwealth Games at 87kg in 2002 so the body's liking this division,'' Cameron said. ''Danny's the man at the moment, he's hot property. The win over Roy Jones jnr was spectacular and certainly awesome for Australia to have a man of his calibre … ''

 

There's some action training pics (Green) contained here:

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-out-paul-briggs/story-e6freygr-1225894485512

(click on the Flash tag at the top of that Daily Telegraph page)

 

Perhaps the Duke belt will one day surpass the Lonsdale belt?

It's all about quantity these days - collect those belts!