On Friday night the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino hosted a night of solid boxing action.
Shannon Briggs jumped back into the Heavyweight title picture by stopping former WBO World Champion “Merciless” Ray Mercer in seven rounds. Many considered the fight a last chance at greatness for both men.
In the first round Briggs came surfaced with determination and landed hard shots and dominant jabs to control the older but hazardously skilled Mercer. Regardless of the pace, Mercer slowed his much better accustomed opponent with his own veteran jab. In the second round, Briggs landed shots to stun Mercer but failed to capitalize on them allowing Mercer to recover and eventually took control over most of round three. In the middle rounds the fight was ‘stalemate’ with Briggs still landing fresh successful jabs and “Merciless” Ray showing sparks of his past by connecting with some vicious punches. The diplomatic but disciplined bout came to an unexpected halt, in typical Heavyweight style, when Briggs landed a massive amount of ferocious rights hands to Mercer. The build up of blows flattened Briggs’ challenger for the full ten count.
I know the heavyweight division is in a bit of a turmoil at the moment, but come on, Shannon Briggs. I thought it was a joke.
Comment by Pat Finney — November 23, 2006 @ 12:21 pm
I know exactly what you mean. I don’t even bother to watch most heavyweight bouts anymore. But then again every division goes through a rough patch and I think that it is made up by other divisions that are at their all time high.
Comment by David — November 23, 2006 @ 5:20 pm