Shannon Briggs has fired a blistering warning at former contender Ike Ibeabuchi, claiming the ex-heavyweight is asking for too much money to make a fight happen. Briggs says Ibeabuchi’s $500,000 price tag proves he’s more interested in a payday than proving himself in the ring.
Briggs vs Ibeabuchi
The former contender, who finished his professional career undefeated before being imprisoned in 2003, is one of boxing’s most mysterious and feared figures. Ibeabuchi returned last month from his lengthy exile to beat Idris Afinni via a TKO retirement on his stool on Pay Per View in Nigeria. According to Briggs, ‘The President” is aiming to elevate the profile of his next opponent by drafting in a former world heavyweight champion.
However, Briggs doesn’t believe Ibeabuchi is realistic with his demands. “The Cannon” didn’t hold back in his description of what he plans to do if the fight materializes, promising a ferocious and unrelenting display of power. He challenged Amir Khan to step in and help arrange the bout in Nigeria, a venue Briggs believes could deliver the spectacle and the financial backing needed for such a blockbuster clash.
Khan recently put on a spectacular show in Lagos on October 1 and has further plans to promote in the region.
The $500,000 Price Tag
“Ike Ibeabuchi — that old turtle — wants $500,000 for me to put him in the blender. He knows he’ll become a movie, so he’s asking for heavy bread. If Amir Khan makes it happen in Nigeria, you’ll see what I do to him. It won’t be pretty. I’ll put the fight in the hospital parking lot so they can take him straight upstairs to a room. Pre-check-in. Have the operating machines warmed up on standby. Beep, beep,” Briggs said.
Those remarks are classic for his ‘Let’s Go Champ!‘ moniker. Briggs goes for the theatrical, brash, and calculated to grab attention. Briggs is making a public call for support from a high-profile promoter, while also creating the hype narrative that only he can deliver in the ring.
Lagos Showdown: Khan Challenged to Host
By naming Amir Khan and suggesting Nigeria, Briggs cleverly ties his comeback to the recent success of boxing events being staged in Africa. His challenge lays down the gauntlet to the former champion, urging him to leverage his promotional power to make a highly anticipated fight a reality.
The potential showdown between Briggs and Ibeabuchi is more than just a fight for the Nigerian faithful, who broke the PPV system for their undefeated star’s comeback. Briggs, now 53, is looking to cement his own return with a high-visibility bout after pulling out of a Country Box event through injury.
Whether Khan answers the call and whether AK Promotions can scale back the financial demands remains to be seen. However, a matchup between Briggs and Ibeabuchi would turn heads in this generation of older boxers, who continue to campaign later in their careers.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.