Things got off to a rousing start at Monday's DKP press conference in New York City to officially announce the November 4 SHOWTIME collision between WBO heavyweight champion Sergei Lyakhovich and challenger Shannon Briggs, which will take place in Phoenix.

Liakhovich stated that he's become a better fighter since winning the title against Lamon Brewster. "November 4 everyone will see a much better boxer, a new Sergei Liakhovich," stated Lyakhovich. "He's a good fighter, a strong fighter. He's got good hand speed and a good right. But if he tries to knock me out he will be in trouble. This guy says he will take the title from me. Well see. I fought hard for this title, and it's just not going to happen."

Briggs stated, "He looks great in his black suit. They're going to have to bury him in it in Phoenix when I am done with him." Lyakhovich glared at Briggs. "Watch those eyes," Shannon warned. "I will slash the shit out of you, I am known for that."

Everybody said "oooh" and left it at that.

"I am going to bring the belt back to Brooklyn, back to Brownsville. I wanted to fight for the title in New York. Unfortunately, this is going to Phoenix. I am much more experienced now and much more hungry. I am standing right next to him (Liakhovich) and I'm pissed off. My blood is boiling. No, Im not going to turn this into a brawl. I will wait until November 4. "

Briggs also took the opportunity to rip Wladimir Klitschko's manager Shelly Finkel. "Shelly Finkel is a scum bag. He used me and my name for what he is doing down at the Garden (the Klitschko fight). He knew I was a New York fighter. He had me waiting at home for the contract, said it was done, but it never came. He shagged me, he shagged me. He did me dirty. He was bullshitting me. Guys like Shelly Finkel are the ones putting boxing on the back burner behind the NFL, NBA and other sports."

While he was putting Shelly Finkle on blast, promoter Don King chimed in, "Tell it how it is, Brother Shannon."

King summed it all up by saying. "This is just about the facts and the fact's are that Sergei Liakhovich is the top world champion in boxing today. He beat Brewster and Brewster knocked out Klitschko, so you can't say you are the best until you face the best."

King also produced a poster that showed a picture of a map of Russia and in the middle was a picture of WBA heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev. The map read "All roads lead to the Giant."

In other business, King announced the signing of WBA lightweight champion Juan Diaz and that Diaz turns 23 this week. His birthday cake was in the shape of a boxing ring and it said 'Happy Birthday WBA lightweight champ, Juan Diaz.' It looks like Diaz is going to fight on the undercard against an opponent to be named.