Shannon ‘The Cannon’ Briggs is one of boxing’s greatest-ever knockout artists. With over 50 knockouts to his name, he possessed unique power.
As a former world champion, Briggs had an impressive career which included plenty of memorable moments.
In one of the highest-profile fights of his career, Briggs took on George Foreman, one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time.
Fighting in 1997, Foreman was just three years removed from his history-making knockout of Michael Moorer. However, Briggs was able to beat the former champion via majority decision as they met in Atlantic City.
The win made Briggs a 30-1 fighter. It also set up ‘The Cannon’ for a world title opportunity against an all-time great.
Shannon Briggs was stopped by Lennox Lewis in 1998
In March 1998, a 26-year-old Briggs would get his first world title opportunity in Atlantic City. Taking on Lennox Lewis, he had a mighty task ahead of him.
Lewis was enjoying his second spell as a champion, as he held the WBC World Heavyweight title. He went into the bout with a record of 32-1, with wins over Oliver McCall, Frank Bruno, and Tommy Morrison.
The challenger Briggs would have some success in the fight, as his power would be able to stun Lewis in the first round. However, Lewis would be able to deal with the thunderous punches of ‘The Cannon’ as the fight entered its second round.
The champion would then control the tempo of the fight, as he began to catch Briggs with his own heavy punches. In the fourth round, Lewis would begin to show his dominance, earning two knockdowns over the challenger.
Despite being able to survive the round, Briggs would be put out of the fight in the fifth round. Following a third knockdown, he returned to his feet. However, moments later, the referee waved off the bout as Briggs fell to the canvas after a missed punch.
The win meant that Lewis retained his title, while Briggs suffered the second loss of his career.
Shannon Briggs would claim world title eight years after Lennox Lewis defeat
After his loss to Lewis, Briggs would have a record of 6-2-1 in his next nine fights. However, following this mixed run of form, he would have a 10-fight winning streak.
His impressive run, which consisted only of stoppages, would be rewarded with a world title opportunity. Briggs would take on Siarhei Liakovich, the WBO World Heavyweight champion.
The champion had a 23-1 record, however, he would be defeated by Briggs in unlikely circumstances.
Leading on the judges scorecards in the final round of the bout, Liakovich was knocked down with 30 seconds left. Then, following the restart, the champion was knocked out of the ring, onto a table.
The bout was called off with one second remaining on the clock, as Briggs became champion.