Shannon Briggs gatecrashes Wladimir Klitschko press conference

Former world heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs has attempted to instigate a rivalry with Wladimir Klitschko by attending a press conference involving the Ukrainian ahead of his fight with Alex Leapai.

Unified titlist Klitschko was in Germany to answer questions from reporters ahead of Saturday's bout with the Australian, but before the media call could be completed, Briggs halted proceedings.

The 42-year-old stated that he thinks Klitschko is avoiding a match with him, and insisted that the younger of the two heavyweight siblings only fights "bums".

His second remark brought a response from Leapai, who attempted to confront Briggs before calm was restored by the rival camps.

Briggs, who has 53 wins from 61 professional encounters, has recently returned to the ring with two quick victories after a three-and-a-half-year hiatus after losing to Wladimir's brother, Vitali, in 2010.