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Compiled by the FightBeat.com staff A bad time for American heavyweight boxing has become even worse. Of six world heavyweight title fights this year, American-born heavyweights haven’t managed a single win (Chris Byrd, Monte Barrett, Lamon Brewster and Hasim Rahman all losing, while Rahman and Toney fought to a draw earlier in the year). Former linear champion Shannon Briggs hopes to change all of that, as he challenges WBO titlist Sergei Lyakovhich this weekend in Phoenix on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (Saturday, 9PM ET/PT).. In the co-feature, Juan Diaz returns to America’s #1 Fight Network, as he defends his WBA lightweight belt against Fernando Angulo. Read on to see how the FightBeat.com staff members predict the action going down this weekend. SERGEI LYAKHOVICH – SHANNON BRIGGS. 12 Rounds, for Lyakhovich’s WBO Heavyweight title Adam Berlin – Briggs by TKO within 6 “Shannon Briggs has size and power and a newfound will to win. This is the chance he’s been waiting for. In the past, Briggs lacked discipline, didn’t train right and, the truth is, he still looks awfully big. But Briggs is a smart man and he understands the magnitude of this fight. I’m assuming he’s been mature enough to train hard for Lyakhovich, in case the fight goes into deep waters, where Briggs has sometimes drowned. Training will be Briggs’ insurance policy, but I see Shannon charging early with bad intentions. The WBO version of the heavyweight title will be coming back to the USA, Brooklyn specifically.” Jake Donovan – Lyakhovich by UD “There was a time where I would rally around any NY-based heavyweight. But Shannon has long exhausted my patience. Look for an explosive fight early – the only way Briggs knows how to fight – with Lyakhovich overcoming some shaky moments to control the second half of the fight en route to a close but clear unanimous decision. Both fighters taste the canvas; Lyakhovich early, Briggs once or twice later in the fight.” Carlos Guzman – Briggs by TKO before 5 or Lyakhovich by UD “Briggs has been tearing up the media with some great one liners, and getting Americans to rise up against the European assault. But do you really think Shannon Briggs can lead the way? The last time Briggs fought a decent fighter President Clinton was in his first term. I'm not saying Lyakhovich is all that either. People point to Shannon's loss to McCline, but what about Lyakhovich being stopped by Maurice Harris? The only reason this will be interesting is because from March 2004 to today Lyakhovich has only had 3 fights, while Briggs has been very active with 8 bouts under his belt. I see Briggs early KO (before the 5th), otherwise Lyakhovich by decision. Aaron Jones – Lyakhovich by Dec. I confess to not know much about Sergei, but if he's a C level guy, he'll beat Briggs. Briggs for all the power he gets credit for and hope that some have invested, has never bee a very good fighter. This may be the most exciting fight of the weekend but I think Lyakovich is better and thus will triumph. Michael Lamkin - Lyakhovich UD “Briggs will have his best moments early in the bout, possibly catching Lyakhovich cold and score a flash knockdown or two. However, as is the case with most of Briggs' bouts, he'll soon run out of gas and be satisfied with moral victory by lasting the distance.” Zachary Levin - Lyakhovich TKO 10. “Briggs is one of the great underachievers in the sport. Even at a bloated 270, he can put his punches together beautifully, with a combination of hand-speed and power rarely seen. But if you believe that history is cyclical, then his big asthmatic butt will find a way to come up short. The White Wolf, by contrast, gets the most out of himself. I also think he's made of sturdier stuff in the mental department.” Sean Reed – Briggs by TKO “I'm going with the upset in the Main Event. Briggs will be losing early, but he'll hurt Lyakhovich at some point, then eventually stop him.” Kenneth Sam-Bouhairie - Briggs TKO5 I'm biased when it comes to NY fighters - the sight of six-pack on Briggs is enough for him to get my vote. He'll come out fast like he did against Lennox Lewis and do what Brewster should've done had he actually spent some time in the gym. JUAN DIAZ – FERNANDO ANGULO 12 Rounds, for Diaz’ WBA lightweight title
Jake Donovan – Juan Diaz TKO7 “The future mayor of Houston makes it two stoppage wins in a row in a fight no different than any other of Diaz’ defenses – tons of punches thrown against and landed on an overmatched opponent.” Carlos Guzman – Who cares?!
”Is Diaz related to someone on Showtime? What else could explain this fight being on TV. The only real losers are the fans that have to watch this guy fight nobodies. This is the only bad move Showtime has made all year.” Aaron Jones – Diaz (to win)“Juan Diaz approaches familiar territory this Saturday as he takes on TBA's cousin, Fernando Angulo. I wish Diaz would step up the competition, because I truly believe he's one of the most exciting guys in the game right now. Look for him to be impressive once again, and to be fighting TBA's step-son sometime in the spring.” Michael Lamkin - Juan Diaz TKO 8 “Diaz’ not-so-heavy shots will eventually add up and force the referee to stop the bout.” Sean Reed – Diaz by TKO
”With his workrate, aggression and HITability, Juan Diaz never fails to excite. Never heard of Angulo, so I'll take Diaz by stoppage.”
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