Paul Briggs investigation fines, but not for taking a dive
An investigation over the July 29 bout between IBO cruiserweight champ Danny Green and Paul Briggs has concluded, with Green getting off scot-free, and Briggs getting slapped with a $75,000 fine.
The investigation was conducted by the Western Australian Professional Sports Commission, and was spurred on after Briggs lost the fight in what appeared to be an inconceivable manner. Within the opening seconds of the first round, Briggs was grazed on
the top of the head with an innocuous jab. He fell and was unable to get up. The crowd booed loudly, and even Green called Briggs a “dog” and suggested he had taken a dive.
The fight had been tough to launch in the first place, as Briggs had retired from boxing three years ago after brain scans revealed nervous system troubles.
In the course of the investigation, Briggs revealed that he was still suffering from ongoing neurological issues. The Western Australian Professional Sports Commission likewise fined him $75,000 for failing to disclose the information before the fight.
Briggs made $200,000 for participating in the bout.
According to the Associated Press, Commission chairman Simon Watters speculated to reporters that Briggs knew he wouldn’t be able to compete in the ring.
"Mr. Briggs knew due to his condition with his nervous system and his physical ability to mount a credible defense, he wasn't a worthy and genuine competitor.”
In light of the news, Briggs disputed the findings, claiming: “A sham to me is one guy paying another guy to take a dive. They've just used me as a scapegoat. None of it makes sense, it's a joke. How can I con medical people? They passed me with all their
exams, and I've never been diagnosed with anything."
The investigation was apparently unable to obtain information about the reality of a dive in the fight. Although Briggs denies taking a dive, a number of online bookmakers experienced “highly, highly dubious” betting plunges shortly before the fight, indicating
an information leak about its predetermined outcome.
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