Sunday 4 September 2016 08:53, UK
Shannon Briggs has reignited his war of words with David Haye and urged his heavyweight rival to stop making excuses.
A fight has been on the cards ever since both fighters produced impressive stoppages at The O2 in May. Haye beat Arnold Gjergjaj inside two rounds, after Briggs knocked out Emilio Ezequiel Zarate in round one.
Briggs has long-pursued Haye on social media and in person, most notably when he chased the Londoner in Brooklyn, this July. The former WBO heavyweight world champion now wants to end his pursuit in the ring and deliver an entertaining fight for the fans.
Briggs said on Instagram: "Look at him softer than a cheese biscuit. What's his excuse now? I fought on your show. I did my part. I showed up.
"The people came out. The WBA are giving you a title shot I heard. Say what you want but I ain't boring. Be a man Davey. Come out and play #LETSGOCHAMP."
Haye, who told Sky Sports News HQ in May that he was confident of knocking Briggs out, is currently weighing up his options and is expected to return to the ring before the end of the year.
Tony Bellew has called for Haye to take him on in a domestic dust-up, but the difference in weight between the two fighters is expected to scupper a potential bout for the time being.
Haye is expected to remain a heavyweight and has been eyeing up a future clash with Anthony Joshua.
WBA president Gilberto Mendoza told Sky Sports that he wants the Bermondsey fighter to remain active and would welcome his return to the ring.
"We would love to have David Haye back as our champion, that's what I can tell you, but boxing is complicated, it's not easy," Mendoza said.
"He is high in the ranking, but obviously he will have to be active and fight other boxers.
"In a theoretical way, David Haye would receive a title opportunity. I don't know if in 2016, but perhaps at the beginning of next year."
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