Lennox Lewis defended his WBC world heavyweight title against Shannon Briggs
Date March 28, 1998
Venue: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Lewis stance: orthodox
Briggs stance: orthodox
Lennox Lewis had an outstanding amateur record that culminated in him becoming Olympic champions at the 1988 games in Seoul. He turned pro a year later. He won the European title in his 14th bout, stopping Jean-Maurice Chanet in the sixth round. In his next fight, Lewis won the British title, stopping highly ranked and unbeaten Gary Mason in the seventh round. Lewis was awarded the WBC title when Riddick Bowe refused to defend against Lewis, who had won a final eliminator against Donovan Ruddock by second round knockout. Lewis lost his belt when he was stopped in the second round by Oliver McCall. After four comeback fights, Lewis beat McCall in a rematch for the vacant WBC belt when McCall appeared to have a nervous breakdown in the ring. In his most recent defence, Lewis had knocked out the highly rated Andrew Golota in the first round.
Shannon Briggs turned pro in 1992, and won his first 25 bouts against a series of journeymen and fringe contenders. His winning run came to an end when he was stopped in the third round by Darroll Wilson. Briggs took a few months off before winning four bouts via the short route against journeymen. In his most recent fight, he outpointed George Foreman in a final eliminator for the WBC title.
For an in depth look at their respective records, visit:
Lennox Lewis - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/1853
Shannon Briggs - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/4629
