In 1992 he became the United States Amateur Champion. Champion and finished second at the Pan American Games in 1991, stepping into the finals on several byes, thus gaining a silver medal already without a single fight, though losing the final to Félix Savón. Briggs competed mainly in heavyweight division (201 lbs,) he became New York City Golden Gloves champion, New York State Champion, National P.A.L. Amateur career Ĭoached by James O'Farrell, Briggs got his start at the Starrett City Boxing Club. Briggs' mother died in Brownsville due to a heroin overdose on December 4, 1996, Briggs' 25th birthday. Briggs' friends called out, 'Here comes Mike.' Briggs said he was too scared to run and that seeing Tyson that day 'changed his life.' At age 17, Briggs began training at Jimmy O'Pharrow's Starrett City Boxing Club in Brooklyn, NY. In 1983, when Briggs was 12, he saw Mike Tyson in Bristol Park, Brooklyn, New York. For a period in his childhood he was homeless. Early life īriggs was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn. World heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis stated in 2015 that Briggs had the fastest hands and best punching power of any opponent he ever faced. Briggs was known for his formidable punching power and aggression, possessing an 88.3% knockout-to-win percentage with 37 knockout wins in the first round. He held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) heavyweight title from 2006 to 2007. Shannon Briggs (born December 4, 1971) is an American former professional boxer who competed between 19.

Turning stone resort and casino careers