Friday 20 May 2016 11:27, UK
Former world champion Shannon Briggs has revealed how he contemplated suicide before ending a four-year absence from professional boxing.
Briggs (59-6-1-KO52) fights on David Haye's undercard at The O2 on Saturday knowing victory over Emilio Zarate can book him a bout with the Londoner and is thrilled to be heading back towards the big time.
The 44-year-old is a former WBO world heavyweight champion but, after failing to relieve Vitali Klitschko of the WBC crown in October 2010, Briggs took himself away from the ring and his life began a downward spiral.
Now eight fights into a comeback that has included six first-round stoppages, Briggs told Sky Sports of his rejuvenation: "You can't kill me, champ. Look at me! I'm in the best shape of my life both physically and mentally. I was down and out a few years ago.
"I was suffering from major depression, I weighed 400lbs and I was eating junk food all day, every day. I wanted to kill myself and I was really down and out.
"I had to turn on the champion within and live for my kids. This is why I share the story. There are a lot of people out there committing suicide every day and I want them to know: don't give up champ. Hold on and believe in yourself. You'll get through it.
"The people saved me. People like when I come to England. I get stronger every day and people don't realise what's in me right now. They can't imagine. Every day I'm getting stronger and faster because of the people and the energy.
I link him to someone like Shane Mosley. These guys have such high skill levels and are so naturally tough.
"If you're hanging around with negative people, you're going to be negative. If you're hanging around with positive people, it's going to rub off on you and I'm spreading positivity. It's coming back to me and it feels amazing."
Despite Briggs being 44 years of age, Haye's trainer Shane McGuigan has credited his condition and warns that the American is not to be taken lightly if the pair meet in the ring.
McGuigan told Sky Sports: "In terms of selling a fight, he can certainly do it and he's 100 per cent to be taken seriously. He said his body was riddled with injuries when he was fighting before.
"I link him to someone like Shane Mosley. These guys have such high skill levels and are so naturally tough that they can stay around for that little bit longer."
David Haye takes on Arnold 'The Cobra' Gjergjaj at The O2 on May 21. For tickets to #HayeDay visit theo2.co.uk.
