Former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs says he's ready to step in and face Jake Paul if Mike Tyson can't make it to their scheduled bout.
The fight between Tyson and Paul was originally set for July but got pushed back to November 15 at AT&T; Stadium in Texas. Tyson had to postpone due to an ulcer flare-up, which led some people in boxing to doubt if the fight will happen at all.
Tyson tried to calm these worries with a statement:
"I want to thank my fans around the world for their support and understanding during this time. Unfortunately, due to my ulcer flareup, I have been advised by my doctor to lighten my training for a few weeks to rest and recover. My body is in better overall shape than it has been since the 1990s and I will be back to my full training schedule soon. Jake Paul, this may have bought you some time, but in the end you will still be knocked out and out of boxing for good. I appreciate everyone's patience and can't wait to deliver an unforgettable performance later this year."
Despite Tyson's confidence, some boxing experts like former world champion Shawn Porter think the fight won't happen. They point to Tyson's health issues and his age – he's 58 years old.
That's where Shannon Briggs comes in. The former heavyweight champ says he's ready to step up if needed. Briggs has quite a resume in boxing. He's beaten George Foreman and Ray Mercer, faced off against Lennox Lewis and Vitali Klitschko, and won the WBO heavyweight title in 2006. One of his most memorable moments came when he defeated Siarhei Liakhovich in the last second of their fight.
In an interview with Bloody Elbow, Briggs made it clear he's up for the challenge:
"100% I'm coming back and fighting. I'll fight Mike Tyson, Jake Paul anybody. It's a great fight. It's great for Mike because at his age he can still make money, it's amazing, let's go champ! If it happens, then great, but if it don't I'm here, let's go champ. 100% [I'll step in to face Paul if Mike Tyson doesn't make it], sign me up and I'd do it for free, they wouldn't even have to pay me."
Briggs isn't just offering to fight – he's willing to do it for free. He also supports Tyson's decision to fight, saying it's great that Tyson can still make money at his age.
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For now, the Tyson vs. Paul fight is still on for November, set to be broadcast on Netflix. But if things change, it looks like Shannon Briggs is ready and waiting in the wings.