The Francis Ngannou–Tyson Fury clash hogged the limelight as one of the most significant fights of last year. Now, perhaps picking from its embers, another crossover story seems to be appearing on the horizon. Like Ngannou, another former UFC champion will be making his pro-boxing debut in the Middle East this year.

After much back and forth, former two-time heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs will finally get a chance to exchange jabs with former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson. The two are set for an epic crossover bout on June 1 in Qatar. Happy Punch shared the news early this morning. Their post read, “Shannon Briggs vs. Rampage Jackson is FINALLY official for June 1st in Qatar.” It was only a matter of time before a flood of comments steamrolled, jostling with each other to catch a reader’s attention.

Shannon Briggs vs. ‘Rampage’ Jackson: A Fight in the Making

For the most part, the two fighters had been teasing a fight for some time. Back in 2021, as part of the gone-in-a-heartbeat Triller Triad Combat promotion, the duo made news after a much-publicized backstage spat. That, in a way, kicked off talks for a much-vaunted ring clash. It appeared that a fight would be underway in the year 2022. However, it never came to fruition. The following year also passed on an uneventful note. But, come the new year, one by one, news of the fight finally happening for good started reaching the fans.

Yesterday, taking to his X/Twitter handle, Jackson wrote, “It’s finally going to happen! Rampage vs. Shannon Briggs in Qatar this summer my 1st boxing match; don’t miss it.” He also shared a clip that showed him holding what appeared like contract papers. He said, “I’ve finally got the contract; it’s been over two years in the making of me here, Ms. Shannon Briggs ‘Mouth’. I get to shut him up once for all in Qatar, June 1….”

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The former boxing champion’s Instagram post read, “Fights on!!!!! Signed. Will he see the second round, or will #Rampie aka @rampage4real, go into the got knocked out cold in the first round Hall of Fame? #votebelow #LETSGOCHAMP #.”

Many fans sounded off their excitement over the news. But to a few, the sheer lightheartedness of the fight never remained hidden for long, as soon as they started hurling potshots.

June 1, Qatar: The day when ‘Cannon’ will ‘Rampage’ in the ring?

The sheer age group of the fighters threw some of the fans off the wall. Resultingly, some left no opportunity to take a dig.

Take, for instance, this fan who believes that even ‘Big’ George Foreman should be called back to the ring.

But this follower wondered why announcements of matches, that too having fifty-year-old fighters, scheduled after six months should take place now.

The following user sounded surprised if anyone would ever be genuinely interested in watching the Briggs-Jackson fight.

However, given Briggs’ vast experience and prowess as a heavy-hitter, this fan expressed his concern for “Rampage’ Jackson.

But to this follower, the June 1 bout appears to be the most apt fight of recent times.

It would be inappropriate to compare the Briggs-Jackson fight with last October’s Ngannou-Fury fight. However, given their sheer expertise in their respective fields, the fight should offer exciting moments that will keep the fans on the edge of their seats.

52-year-old Brooklyn-born Shannon Briggs last fought in 2016. In a career that spanned over two decades, he fought some of the biggest names of the era. While he defeated the likes of George Foreman and Ray Mercer, Vitali Klitschko and Lennox Lewis inflicted defeats, dashing his hopes of world titles. Seven years his junior, 45-year-old Memphis, Tennessee-born ‘Rampage’ Jackson, on the other hand, bowed out of the octagon in 2019. In April last year, he participated in an event promoted by Fight Circus.

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What is your take on the Briggs-Jackson fight? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

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