Sultan Ibragimov (21-0-1, 17 KOs) dethroned WBO heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs (48-5-1, 42 KOs) via a tactical twelve round unanimous decision at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Ibragimov initated most of the action early as the much larger Briggs waited to counter. Briggs barely missed with some bombs in the fourth as Ibragimov seemed more willing to engage. Ibragimov landed a number of good straight lefts as he continued to build his lead. Briggs remained economical with his offense. Ibragimov had his best round in the ninth, hurting Briggs and driving him into the ropes. Briggs was unable to mount a comeback in the late rounds and Ibragimov came away with a 119-109, 117-111, 115-113.
