March 28, 1998: Lewis stops Briggs to keep title

1998 - Lennox Lewis knocked down a surprisingly tough Shannon Briggs three times and retained his World Boxing Council heavyweight title when the referee stopped the fight in the fifth round. Lewis, a 12-1 favourite, got more than he bargained for with Briggs, who displayed a strong chin and put to rest all questions regarding his courage. In the fifth round, Lewis hit Briggs with a straight right hand that froze him and then he dropped in slow motion. Briggs got up at the count of seven, and Lewis swarmed over him. Lewis sent Briggs into a corner, punching him at will. Briggs missed with a wild overhand left and fell down. That was enough for referee Prank Cappuccino, who rushed in and stopped the scheduled 12-round fight at the fifth round.

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