Shannon Briggs moving to UK to “raise hell,” aka stalk David Haye

Oh, dear. Heavyweight Shannon Briggs and his incredibly eccentric personality are at it again.

Known for antics like showing up at a restaurant to disturb Wladimir Klitschko’s lunch while demanding a title shot, Briggs’ unparalleled trolling skills are a bit of an acquired taste. His “Let’s Go Champ” mantra combined with the constant antagonizing and borderline stalking of his desired opponents might rub some the wrong way, but if you follow him on social media his quirky videos and motivational yelling can somehow actually be quite endearing.

Briggs’ latest otherworldly stunt? He claims in an Instagram post that he’s up and moving to the United Kingdom to work some of his magic on David Haye, with the clear objective of landing a fight with his British counterpart.

“I’m headed to the #UnitedKingdom to raise hell. I’m going to ask the queen for a #LETSGOCHAMP ??? Real talk!!! If anyone in England interested in helping me find an apartment or flat ? I’d appreciate it. I’m looking for something with hell like conditions. Gang violence and other ruthless activity doesn’t bother me champ I’m from Brownsville Brooklyn and I’m coming to set ?. I’ve heard #southhampton is beautiful as well as #brixton anyone interested in being in my camp when I get there email me at [email protected] I’m looking for sparring as well. #boxnation I’m on my way #skysports I’m on my way #LETSGOCHAMP #LETSGOCHAMP #LETSGOCHAMP“

While Briggs’ initial post didn’t make any mention of Haye, Briggs quickly pushed aside any doubt as to which fighter would be the object of his new obsession across the Atlantic in a subsequent Instagram picture he posted (see right).

Not one for ambiguity, Briggs (59-6-1, 52 KOs) has made his intentions evident: He wants a big fight with Haye (27-2, 25 KOs) on British soil. Who wouldn’t? British boxing fans are the best fans the sport has to offer, and at age 44 the window is closing for Briggs to haul in one last gigantic payday in front of thousands of screaming fans in attendance and thousands more watching at home.

The real question is whether the 35-year-old Haye will even give Briggs the time of day. Haye, still close to his physical prime, might have his eyes set on greener pastures like title shots. Plus, he already has a date set for May 21 at the O2 Arena in London against a to-be-determined opponent.

Does Briggs have a chance to be the guy Haye faces on May 21? Maybe, but probably not. Either way, look for Briggs to deploy some of the most outlandish pranks fathomable in a glorious effort to land one last big-money fight against Haye.

Hopefully Haye learns to appreciate some of Briggs’ other redeeming qualities, because he most certainly won’t appreciate the incessant trolling and stalking.