Briggs wants to box on, despite Klitschko beating

Injured American boxer Shannon Briggs said on Wednesday he has no plans to retire and wants to continue boxing, despite the beating he took at the hands of WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko.

Briggs lost to the Ukrainian on points here last Saturday, but was left with concussion and fractures to both his cheekbones and nose after going 12 rounds with Klitschko.

The American will have an operation on Friday for a torn left bicep, but only after the considerable swelling has gone down.

“Last Saturday was the toughest night of my life, but I would do it all over again. I showed the world that I can fight,” said the 38-year-old Briggs.

“I have showed I am a champion, even though I lost.

“I may be ugly, but I am fine,” he quipped, taking off his sunglasses to reveal no bruising around the eyes.

Briggs’ injuries led to criticism of British referee Ian John-Lewis for allowing the fight to continue, and of Briggs’s manager, Hermann Caicedo.

But the fighter insists any criticism of the referee or his corner is wrong.

“I am the boss, so I made it clear throwing in the towel was not an option,” he insisted.

“I take the decisions and I am not a quitter.”

Briggs has said he wants to keep boxing, but will speak to his wife first before making any announcement.

“I will be back, I love to box and I would fight tonight if I could,” he said.

“But it is hard for my wife and children, it is hard for her to watch and I will need to talk to her before making any decisions.

“I hope I will get another chance to fight.”

Briggs also revealed how Vitali Klitschko came to visit him in hospital the morning after the fight.

“He came to see me the next morning, I was impressed he took the time to come and see me, it shows he is a real champion and a good man,” said Briggs.

Klitschko inflicted the sixth defeat of the US boxer’s career and leaves him with 45 knock-outs from 51 wins with one draw.