Press Release: Shannon Briggs worked out for the media today at Central Boxing Club in preparation for Saturday night's challenge of defending WBO champion Sergei Liakhovich at Chase Field in Phoenix. Briggs entered the gym wearing t-shirts emblazoned with “The Great Black Hope” on the back.  “People are talking about all of these Russian heavyweights,” Briggs said.  “Rahman was the last line of defense.  Now I am the first line of offense.  I have sparred 108 rounds to prepare for this.  I fight three guys every day and on Saturday night there will only be one – so it will be easy.  I have scored 29 first-round knockouts and I plan to have 30 after I get done with Liakhovich on Saturday. On Saturday night, the fans can expect a knockout.  I’m going for it.  If he is still there after the first round, I will be surprised. I’m going to kick his ass on Saturday night. The title is coming back to America.” Liakhovich entered the gym shortly after Briggs’ exit. “Briggs says he is going to make short work of me?  No, the truth is, that if his strategy is going to be to come at me and throw a lot of punches, it is going to be a short night for him,” Liakhovich said.   “Briggs better be ready and tell him to bring it all.  That will make for an exciting fight. I call Briggs ‘Pineapple-Head,’” Liakhovich stated prior to leaving the gym.  “Hey, that’s what he looks like.” Tickets are on sale now at the Chase Field box office, or through Ticketmaster.