HOLLYWOOD, FL, May 21– With a little over two weeks to go before his long-awaited shot at the World Heavyweight Championship, number one contender Sultan Ibragimov is punishing sparring partners and approaching his physical peak right on schedule for his June 2nd bout against WBO Champion Shannon Briggs.
Now he just hopes Briggs will show up.
"We pray that Briggs' health will allow for him to make it to the fight on June 2nd," said Ibragimov, who saw his first title shot in March get delayed when Briggs withdrew from the bout due to illness.
I look forward to this opportunity to show the world that I deserve to be a World Champion," continued Russian native Ibragimov, who now makes his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Ibragimov went on to say, "I have been training in my gym along side boxing legends Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward. I am honored to have the opportunity to win the World Title in Arturo's adopted home Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. They have been in big fights such as this one and everyday is a learning experience for me. This will allow me to be a better all around fighter when I step into the ring in two weeks.
Briggs vs Ibragimov, a 12 round WBO Heavyweight Championship bout, is presented by Seminole Warriors Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Caesars Atlantic City, Gold! en Grain, Nafta Moskva, Global Advertising Strategies, CSI Sports and Main Events. Tickets for what promises to be the most explosive heavyweight fight of 2007, priced at $300, $200, $150, $100 and $50, are on sale now.
