Shannon Briggs, the former WBO Heavyweight Champion, is gearing up for a surprising return to the boxing ring. At 53 years old, "The Cannon" announced his comeback on July 1 at the Troubadour Theatre in Texas, aiming to prove he's still a force to be reckoned with.
Heavyweights often enjoy longer careers than fighters in other weight classes. George Foreman famously reclaimed the heavyweight title at 45, setting a high bar for veteran comebacks.
Recently, the boxing world has seen a trend of older fighters stepping back into the ring. Mike Tyson, at 58, faced Jake Paul in an eight-round bout that, while underwhelming in action, proved to be a financial knockout. Oliver McCall, another veteran at 59, has notched two stoppage wins in Texas, reminding fans of his shocking victory over Lennox Lewis back in 1994.
Briggs boasts an impressive career with 37 first-round knockouts. He's scored victories over George Foreman (albeit controversially) and Siarhei Liakhovich. However, he's also tasted defeat, getting stopped by Lennox Lewis in 1998 and losing a decision to Vitali Klitschko in 2010.
According to World Boxing News, Briggs made his comeback announcement at the Troubadour Theatre. He stated:
"I've been out of the ring, but I never stopped being a fighter. I'm coming back stronger, faster, and more dangerous than ever. This isn't just a fight—it's a movement. LET'S GO CHAMP!"
While Oliver McCall's name has been mentioned as a potential opponent, this matchup remains unconfirmed. Fans can expect more details about Briggs' return in the coming weeks, including the official confirmation of his opponent.
Briggs' comeback adds another chapter to the ongoing story of heavyweight longevity in boxing. It remains to be seen if "The Cannon" can recapture his former glory and make a significant impact in today's heavyweight landscape.
