Shannon Briggs, known famously as ‘The Cannon’, may well be boxing’s largest personality today. His antics chasing his opponents have earned him a reputation as one of history’s biggest sporting trolls, but Shannon can back up his talk with a phenomenal track record. He is a former Lineal World Heavyweight Champion, claiming the title through defeating the great George Foreman. Shannon Briggs also holds the record for most first round knockouts in boxing history, and he achieved all of this despite the fact that he has suffered from asthma since birth.
Shannon is also well known to an audience beyond boxing through his acting roles is major action films, appearing alongside Jason Statham in Transporter 2 and with Will Smith in Bad Boys II.
Shannon has overcome many obstacles in his life. His father died in prison and his mother overdosed on his birthday, leaving Shannon homeless as a youth. He dedicated his time to boxing, sometimes sleeping in the boxing gym.
His famous catchphrase, “Let’s Go Champ”, has been a motivational tool for countless fans. A large and diverse audience has been reached by the phrase, with 20,000 people contacting Shannon to let him know how much “Let’s Go Champ” has helped them in their lives. Shannon himself is no stranger to the power of the phrase. He used “Let’s Go Champ” to overcome depression, lose 150lbs and get back into fighting shape, pursuing his goal of becoming Heavyweight Champion for a third time.
As well as a record-breaking athlete, Shannon Briggs is also a family man. He met his wife Alana on a blind date, and they are now married with three children.
