LONDON — David Haye and Shannon Briggs have cleared the path for a September UK showdown after both posted early knockouts against overmatched opposition Saturday night at the 02 Arena.
First up with Shannon Briggs, who faced Argentina’s 34 year-old Emilio Ezequiel Zarate (20-17-3, 11 KOs). Aside from being 6’5, there was little he brought to ring against Briggs, who ended matters in the first with a left hook to the body. Zarate had taken the fight on four days notice.
Haye’s opponent, Arnold Gjergjaj, came into the ring with a glossy 29-0 record. The loss of that undefeated mark became a foregone conclusion when Haye dropped him 30 seconds in with a straight right. Gjergjaj then went into survival mode, including trying to milk a late hit at the first round bell by sinking to his knees.
The second round was a matter of cornering Gjergjaj, who surrendered to the canvas after a series of clubbing short rights.
In his post-fight interview, Haye confirmed the Shannon Briggs fight is a go for September. It remains to be seen if the actual fight will be as entertaining as the trash-talking from their upcoming press tour.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 