Briggs predicts early KO
Shannon Briggs says he will make WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko his "30-second, first-round victim" when they meet in Hamburg on October 16.
Briggs, a former WBO champion, said in Kiev in the Ukraine on Monday "that's how a lot of my fights end."
Klitschko shrugged off the American's threat, suggesting the bout would be a test of his own mental strength, claiming "the only man who can defeat Vitali Klitschko is Vitali Klitschko."
But the 39-year-old Ukrainian also admitted, "It will be an amazing, exciting fight, full of drama."
Sapa-AFP reports from Grosuplje in Slovenia that IBF welterweight champion Jan Zaveck feels he is in the best shape of his life as he prepares to defend his title against Poland's Rafal Jackiewicz in Ljubljana on Saturday night.
The Slovenian told journalists, "For me, only victory is important. I believe Slovenia will experience a spectacular match. I am in the best shape this year, maybe even of my life."
Jackiewicz, the European Boxing Union welterweight champion in 2008, acknowledged his opponent's home advantage but vowed to fight for victory.
"I know the match is in Slovenia and therefore even more difficult," he said. "I am well prepared in all aspects. I expect a battle, a war. But I believe I will be the winner."
The two have met before, in Katowice, Poland, two years ago. On that occasion, Jackiewicz won on a split decision, handing Zaveck his only defeat as a professional.