Shannon Briggs to face Alexander Dimitrenko at The O2
Thursday 5 May 2016 22:41, UK
Shannon Briggs must get past Alexander Dimitrenko if he wants to share a ring with fellow former world champion David Haye later this year.
Briggs will face 6ft 7in former European champion Dimitrenko on the undercard of Haye's second comeback fight in London on May 21.
The 44-year-old American has been actively pursuing a fight with Haye and the Londoner has agreed to a bout providing they both emerge victorious at The O2.
Dimitrenko has lost just twice in 40 fights, is 11 years younger than Briggs and has a three inch height and reach advantage.
However, 'The Cannon' (59-6-1-52KOs) is unimpressed and says Dimitrenko is just a warm-up fight before he takes on Haye.
"I don't care if this guy is tipped for a future world title, I am going to take him down in London," vowed Briggs. "I don't care if this guy is younger than me, taller than me or hits harder than me.
"I'm in the best shape of my life and have the experience to take this guy down. I was beating George Foreman when this guy was still learning to read. Once I've knocked him out, I'll focus on taking David Haye down in his home town.
"I'm excited to put on a show for all my fans in the UK. It will be my first time fighting in this great country and the fans really embraced me when I was here earlier this month.
"This fight is just the warm up. I'll finish Dimitrenko and I'll celebrate, but then I'll be back to finish the Hayemaker. He won't be able to duck me any longer. Let's go champ!"
Haye, who headlines The O2 card against undefeated Arnold Gjergjaj, believes Briggs will have his work cut out against Dimitrenko.
"Alexander Dimitrenko is a big guy and a heavy puncher and a real challenger for a world title - I think he'll cause Briggs some serious problems," said Haye.
"If the Cannon does manage to walk away victorious, I'll be surprised - but at the same time he'll have proved his worth. It just means I get to be the one to knock him out - which is even better."
