Kosport Magazine: After much anticipation and numerous delayed dates, Shannon Briggs and Rampage Jackson may finally go head-to-head in a crossover showdown. The two former world champions in their respective sports have developed one of the most entertaining feuds in combat history since 2020, with Briggs being a heavyweight boxer and Jackson holding titles in the UFC light-heavyweight division.
The highly anticipated bout was initially scheduled to take place in Qatar, but was unfortunately cancelled due to fraudulent concerns with the promoters. Instead, Briggs travelled to New York where he launched a boxing academy in his hometown of Brooklyn.
Kosport Magazine: Despite the setback, Briggs remains determined to fight again this year. In an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow, he revealed that he has offered to be the backup opponent for the upcoming Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson boxing match in November. He also promised to honor his commitment to fight Jackson in a boxing match before transitioning to MMA for a rematch.
Briggs: “The promoters didn’t come through with what they said they were going to do. They were full of s*, so we had to make it happen hopefully in September or October, possibly in Miami. I’m definitely going to kick your a, Rampage. We’ll do both boxing and MMA. 100 per cent, I’ll fight anyone, whether it’s Mike Tyson, Jake Paul, or whoever.”
Kosport Magazine: Briggs hasn’t fought since 2016, but has continuously expressed his desire to return to the ring even at the age of 52. The former two-time world champion expects his next fight to be against Jackson, but in the event that it doesn’t happen, he is willing to step in as the backup opponent for the highly publicized Paul vs Tyson match.
Briggs has even worked with Jake and his brother Logan in the past, when he trained the younger Paul brother for his 2019 fight against KSI. He has a good relationship with the family and has even offered to fight for free in order to make the match happen.
Briggs: “I think it’s a great fight. It’s great for Mike because he can still make money, it’s amazing. You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. But if it doesn’t happen, I’m here. Sign me up, let’s go champ! I’ll do it for free, they don’t even have to pay me. Anyone besides Jake Paul, I have to get paid.”
Kosport Magazine: In related news, the YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI will be facing MMA fighter Anthony Taylor and undefeated boxer Slim Albaher in a 2v1 boxing match, further adding to the growing trend of crossover fights in the combat sports world. Stay tuned to Kosport Magazine for more updates on these and other exciting matchups.
