Shannon Briggs Headlines Heavyweight Factory's "Tuesday Night Fights" Boxing at Hard Rock Live, April 13

Tickets are on sale now

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. - Shannon Briggs will headline the Heavyweight Factory's "Tuesday Night Fights" boxing at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Hollywood on April 13 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.

A slimmed-down Briggs (49-5-1, 43 KOs) has big plans for 2010. His goal is to unify the belts and become the true champion for a third time. With his impressive win over Marcus McGee on December 3, 2009, he immediately returns to the heavyweight contender picture. He is working to set himself up for another world title opportunity by working his way through the rankings.

"I will be a heavyweight champion again," Briggs said.

Briggs, who grew up in Brooklyn. N.Y. was a late addition to the inaugural Hustler Honey fight card promoted by Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing at Manhattan Center. "Shannon is looking to get back into title contention and what a better way to do it than with a good showing on our New York City show," DeGuardia said. "Shannon has a nice following in New York being from nearby Brooklyn."

Briggs has an even bigger following in South Florida where the popular fighter never disappoints the crowd with his hard-hitting, heart-stopping performances. At the pinnacle of his career, Briggs was one of the hardest punchers in the heavyweight division. The 6-foot-4 puncher with an 80-inch reach and big right hand, gets his fights over quickly, usually in the first round. Forty of his victories have gone three rounds or less.

In November 1997, he won a 12-round majority decision over George Foreman. After a few tough losses to Lennox Lewis, Francois Botha, Sedreck Fields and Jameel McCline, he won 12 consecutive fights including a thrilling 12th round TKO of Serguei Lyakhovich to win the WBO heavyweight title in November 2006. Behind on all judges' cards, Briggs roared back in the 12th with the needed knockout, slugging away with right-hand bombs until Lyakhovich dropped.

At the top of the sport, Briggs, an asthmatic, started experiencing health problems. Diagnosed with pneumonia he was forced to cancel a title defense bout with Ibragimov in March 2007. Three months later when Briggs did finally defend his title against Ibragimov, it was evident his stamina wasn't there. But a new, improved, leaner, meaner and more in shape Briggs has returned to the ring with renewed enthusiasm for the sport.

Tickets cost $105, $55 & $30. Table Seating $5,000 (10 seats) or $2,750 (6 seats).* All seats are reserved and available at the Hard Rock Live Box Office, open Monday - Saturday from noon to 7pm and on Sunday - only open on event days at noon. Tickets also are available at all Ticketmaster outlets online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open one-hour prior to show start time. *Additional fees may apply.

About Hard Rock Live

Hard Rock Live, a spectacular state-of-the-art facility has quickly emerged as the entertainment capital of South Florida. Attracting music, comedy and sports fans, this 5,500-seat indoor arena further expands the ultimate entertainment experience at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. For more information please visit www.hardrocklivehollywoodfl.com. 

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino provides quality guest experiences where South Floridians can play, stay, dine, and shop. Eighty-nine tables offer Blackjack, Baccarat, Mini-Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, Three Card Poker, Texas Hold'em Bonus Poker and Let it Ride on a nearly three-acre casino floor. Play one of the more than 2,500 Vegas-style slots including the Native-American casino linked Multi-Area Progressive Jackpots and Mega Jackpots. Separate high-limit rooms for table games and slots, in addition to a non-smoking room are available for guests to enjoy. Loyal Player's Club members experience an exclusive VIP Plum Lounge and celebrity show kitchen. Convene in The Poker Room at Seminole Paradise for Texas Hold ‘em, limit Texas Hold 'em, Seven Card Stud and two dollar and four dollar limit Omaha Hi Lo games. Located inside the casino is Hard Rock Café-Hollywood, part of Hard Rock's 127 globally recognized rock ‘n roll themed restaurants. The Green Lodging Certified by the State of Florida, AAA, Four Diamond rated resort showcases 500 luxurious guest rooms, 17 restaurants and lounges, 40,000 square feet of meeting room space, a European-style spa, 25 retail shops, 13 nightclubs, Paradise Live, and Hard Rock Live. Located on State Road 7 (U.S. 441) in Hollywood, Florida. Take I-95, exit Stirling Rd. and travel west to 1 Seminole Way. For more information, call (954) 327-ROCK, 1 800-937-0010 or visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com.  

-SHR-