Briggs-Oquendo fight canceled

Former world heavyweight titleholder Shannon Briggs has tested positive for a banned substance — reported to be elevated testosterone — forcing his June 3 bout at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino against Fres Oquendo to be canceled.

Briggs (60-61, 53 KOs) and Oquendo (37-8, 24 KOs) were going to meet for what is basically a second-tier World Boxing Association (WBA) title.

A report on ESPN.com details the drug-test results.

Briggs, 45, held boxing's heavyweight title in 1997-98 and then again from 2006-07.

In late 2009, Briggs was suspended by the New York State Athletic Commission for 90 days after a post-fight test came up positive for a banned substance.

As recently as a week and a half ago, Briggs, a Broward resident, had been exuberantly promoting the bout:

“June 3rd, you in trouble!” Briggs yelled at Oquendo while walking in his direction. “I’m telling you, this is the wrong place, this the wrong town! You ain’t winning the title! You ain’t coming up over here!

“This ain’t a come-up for you, champ! This ain’t a come-up for you. … That’s right. I see it in your eyes — you’re scared, too! I see it on your eyes!”

Donna Westrich, from Team Oquendo, said on Sunday evening: “We are more than happy to fight Shannon whenever, but at this point, it is in the hands of the WBA.”

SUSAN STOCKER/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Shannon Briggs has tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone and his fight against Fres Oquendo at the Hard Rock Live in June is off.