By Michael Gibbons

Shannon Briggs is doing what he does best these days—drawing attention to himself without actually earning his place among today’s top heavyweights. Fortunately, the top heavyweights know better than to pay his antics any mind. 

The middle-aged former heavyweight champ for years has been angling for a crack at Wladimir Klitschko, literally stalking the World heavyweight king around the globe. He has now set his sights on unbeaten heavyweight titlist Deontay Wilder, going as far as to insist a deal is in place for a September 5 showdown in his adopted hometown of Hollywood, Florida.

Briggs released the story to FightNews.com, which of course ran with the claims that a $2 million deal is in place if the defending titlist is so willing. 

Wilder’s handlers were quick to dismiss the possibility of such a sideshow taking place. 

“Briggs needs to beat someone in the Top 20 before he can be taken serious,” Jay Deas, Wilder’s longtime cornerman and co-manager told BoxingScene.com. 

There is a back story here as well, one that goes beyond their verbal feud which took center stage in New York City ahead of Klitschko’s decision win over Bryant Jennings in late April. 

Deas demanded Briggs be tested after his win over Marcus McGee—one of Deas’ fighters—back in 2009. Briggs failed the post-fight test for Performance Enhancing Drugs, and the fight was ruled a no contest.

Not only would Briggs have to earn his way into the Top 20 to warrant consideration, but mandatory random drug testing would be a key component for any fight with Wilder.

Next for Wilder is a planned September 26 ring return, making the second defense of his heavyweight title versus a challenger to be determined in the near future.

Michael Gibbons is a former amateur standout and still-aspiring lightweight prospect, in addition to his newfound role as a freelance writer. Follow Michael on Twitter: @MAGibbons02