Shannon Briggs Briggs began his career in 1992 and was undefeated in his first 25 fights, and was trained by Teddy Atlas. He suffered his first loss when he was knocked out in three rounds by undefeated Darroll Wilson in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1996. The fight was broadcast on HBO and was a showcase of young heavyweight fighters. Briggs fought against lineal champion George Foreman on November 22, 1997 at the Trump Taj Majal Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Coming into the fight, Briggs sported a 29–1 record with 24 of his wins coming by way of
Badou Jack at the Opening Ceremonies. He lost in the first round to India's Vijender Singh. Jack started his professional career in his native Sweden where he won his debut fight by unanimous decision on June 6, 2009. His next four fights were contested in Sweden and Finland, with Jack winning each by KO/TKO, two in the first round. After meeting former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs at a Swedish boxing event, held in honor of the Swedish boxing legend Ingemar Johansson in 2009, where Jack was fighting and Briggs was brought in as a guest, Jack would move to the United States