Heavyweight Champion

Showtime presents

August 08, 1999

Heavyweight Champion Francois Botha chats about boxing and his match with Shannon Briggs.

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Showtime: Welcome to today's chat with Francois Botha, former International Boxing Federation Heavyweight Champion! Botha will be taking on World Boxing Council Number 8 contender Shannon Briggs In a 10-round bout this Saturday only on Pay Per View. And now, here's Francois!

Vic: What advice can you offer to a kid who wants to grow up and be a boxer?

Francois: My advice to the kids today is that it is great for defense and to defend yourself, but it is a lot easier to do something and make a lot of money.

Molly: Does extensive cable, satellite and web coverage of boxing give modern boxers and advantage in seeing everyone else and being able to study opponents well in advance?

Francois: Definitely. If you want to know a lot about your opponent, or your next opponent that you will be fighting, you can always get some video footage of the opponent to study.

Pixellator: After you win on Saturday night who would you like to fight next?

Francois: A win over Shannon Briggs would definitely advance me towards a title bout between Lennox Lewis or Evander Holyfield or even the possibility of a re-match with Mike Tyson.

Kristi: Any thoughts on the notion of 'open scoring' for fights?

Francois: I believe that the scoring should stay with the judges. Because the anticipating and excitement among viewers could yield the final decision. If it's open scoring, people will know who is winning way in advance.

Carlo: What about Mike Tyson? Can he still be a champ?

Francois: Mike Tyson, a lot of people say, that he is finished. I strongly believe that Mike Tyson is still a great champion and can be.

Shel: Tell us about your training team?

Francois: I have changed trainers. My new trainer is named Abel Sanchez, who've I've known for several years, has replaced Panama Lewis. We've worked on the fence, and how to not just throw arm punches, but use my whole body, like the way Mike Tyson punches. The advantage of having Abel Sanchez in my corner on fight night is a big advantage because he has a license to be in the corner. Panama Lewis was not allowed to be in the corner. It is like having a gun and not having the ammunition when your trainer can't work with you on fight night.

Marlon B: What will you be looking for early on in the fight Saturday night?

Francois: Definitely a fast start from Shannon Briggs. And it is going to be like a shoot out. If it goes any longer, it will be changing into a chess match. Where I will see myself in victory. (grin)

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