The most interested observer of Saturday night’s WBO heavyweight title match between Shannon Briggs and Sergei Liakhovich was the man who will next challenge for the crown – mandatory challenger Sultan Ibragimov, who is ready to put his unbeaten record up for grabs against the WBO title belt now held by Briggs.

“I congratulate Shannon Briggs on winning the WBO title last weekend, though I wasn’t terribly impressed by his performance,” said Ibragimov, 19-0-1 with 16 KOs.  “I hope he enjoys his time with the belt now because he won’t have a long reign.”

The WBO confirmed at their recent convention that Briggs must face Ibragimov within 90 days or be stripped of his title.  Ibragimov’s promoters - Golden Boy Promotions, Seminole Warriors Boxing, and Golden Grain Promotions - have left messages with Briggs’ promoter, Don King, and are ready to begin negotiations for this explosive championship bout immediately.

“We’re looking forward to speaking with Don and getting this bout done as quickly as possible,” said Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya.  “We’re confident that Sultan Ibragimov is the next heavyweight champion of the world, and we’re eager to see him beat Shannon Briggs and put that championship belt around his waist.”