Mairis Briedis vs. Yuniel Dorticos - 26 September 2020

[Ruthless-RKO]

After being bogged down by sanctioning body issues that delayed the second-season final of the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight tournament for months, the fight has been scheduled.

Yunier Dorticos will defend his 200-pound world title against former two-time world titlist Mairis Briedis on March 21 (DAZN), with the Muhammad Ali Trophy also going to the winner, at the Arena Riga in Riga, Latvia, Briedis' hometown, the World Boxing Super Series announced Friday.

The fight, however, will not be a title unification bout as originally intended. That is because Briedis was stripped of his version of the world title by the WBO in late November.

Briedis controversially stopped former world titlist Krzysztof Glowacki in the third round on June 15 in the semifinals of the eight-man tournament in Riga. Glowacki appealed the result, and the WBO, after reviewing the fight, ordered an immediate rematch.

However, Briedis is under contract to the WBSS for the tournament and would be in breach of that agreement if he tried to go ahead with the rematch, which would be worth far less money than what he will earn to fight Dorticos. So Briedis will still fight Dorticos in the final, but with only Dorticos' belt at stake.

The final was originally planned for this past Dec. 14 but was delayed awaiting the outcome of Glowacki's appeal.

The fight will bring an end to the three tournaments put on by the World Boxing Super Series in its second season.

"The conclusion of Season 2 of the WBSS is going to be nothing but spectacular," said Kalle Sauerland, the WBSS chief boxing officer. "After two epic Ali Trophy finals -- Regis Prograis versus Josh Taylor and Naoya Inoue versus Nonito Donaire -- it's time to crown the cruiserweight champion of the WBSS. As we have become accustomed, whoever raises the Muhammad Ali Trophy at the end will become the man to beat in the division."

Taylor outpointed Prograis in a tremendous action fight to unify two junior welterweight world titles on Oct. 26 in London. Inoue outslugged Donaire to win a decision and unify two bantamweight titles on Nov. 7 in Saitama, Japan, in the 2019 fight of the year.

The 34-year-old Briedis (26-1, 19 KOs) defeated Noel Mikaelian by unanimous decision in the WBSS quarterfinals in November 2018 before stopping Glowacki in the controversial semifinal.

"I'm really looking forward to the final," said Briedis, the tournament No. 1 seed. "It is fantastic for Latvia to be able to host an event of such magnitude. Millions and millions of eyes worldwide will be watching what's happening at the Arena Riga on fight night. It is going to be a thrilling fight as I'm facing one of the very best cruiserweights on the planet. The stake is so high and both of us are only looking for one thing -- to win it all."

Nicknamed "The KO Doctor," Dorticos (24-1, 22 KOs), 33, a Cuban fighting out of Miami, narrowly outpointed Mateusz Masternak in the semifinals in October 2018 before scoring a sensational 10th-round knockout of the Floyd Mayweather-promoted Andrew Tabiti to win a vacant world title in the semifinals on June 15 on the undercard of Briedis-Glowacki.

"Briedis, you better prepare yourself for war," said Dorticos, the No. 2 seed. "Let's give all the fans around the world a spectacular all time classic. Come fight night you will know why I'm called the 'KO Doctor.' The Muhammad Ali Trophy has my name engraved already."

Briedis and Dorticos both advanced to the semifinals of the first-season WBSS cruiserweight tournament before being eliminated, but each returned and reached the final.



https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/ ... -scheduled

[Ruthless-RKO]

In what would basically be the first WBSS CW tournaments 3rd place final. We finally get it.

I just hope Sky Sports pick it up.

I don’t think they actually picked up Inoue-Donaire, which was on a Thursday and would have been at 1pm local time.

This is Latvia, so would be a around 8pm UK time right?

[Ruthless-RKO]

Could have been for at least 3 belts not including the Ring Mag, but the orgs let this one down as well. Could have just have the winner fight Glowacki.

[DrDuke]

Briedis is, of course, a smarter and more technically advanced boxer. Dorticos is more of a puncher in comparison to Briedis. I believe, Briedis will be methodical and will comfortably outbox Dorticos. Maybe Briedis will break Dorticos down and KO him eventually. Both can score a KO, actually. But I favor Briedis for sure.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Briedis is, of course, a smarter and more technically advanced boxer. Dorticos is more of a puncher in comparison to Briedis. I believe, Briedis will be methodical and will comfortably outbox Dorticos. Maybe Briedis will break Dorticos down and KO him eventually. Both can score a KO, actually. But I favor Briedis for sure.

Briedis is the the better boxer overall.

[keirw]

Looking forward to this, two quality operators, but Briedis is the better man and will prove it on the night.

Briedis late KO.

[Rezzer1967]

In what would basically be the first WBSS CW tournaments 3rd place final. We finally get it.

I just hope Sky Sports pick it up.

I don’t think they actually picked up Inoue-Donaire, which was on a Thursday and would have been at 1pm local time.

This is Latvia, so would be a around 8pm UK time right?

Inoue v Donaire was on Sky, I watched it.

[Ruthless-RKO]

In what would basically be the first WBSS CW tournaments 3rd place final. We finally get it.

I just hope Sky Sports pick it up.

I don’t think they actually picked up Inoue-Donaire, which was on a Thursday and would have been at 1pm local time.

This is Latvia, so would be a around 8pm UK time right?

Inoue v Donaire was on Sky, I watched it.

Yh I think they picked it up a day before

[brilo33]

going the ko doctor ko win, as much as briedis is a scum bag for being in the final. he is a clever fighter tough aswell and will be hard to beat , i think dorticus lost to Gassiev was one off the best fights i have ever seen , i can see dort leaving it all in the ring, i think 50/50 fight. i cant see odds on the fights yet

[JxhDel.]

KO Doc FTW!

[PredatorHayds]

The best Briedis beats the best Dorticos.

Briedis can occasionally stick himself in 2nd gear and go through the motions and make fights closer than they should be.
If he does that Dorticos has the power to change the fight at any time. He carries his power well through the duration.

I’m leaning towards Briedis points. The atmosphere and the spoils for the victor should hopefully see him on it from the get-go.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Dorticos predicts he will KO Briedis in WBSS final

IBF cruiserweight champion Yuniel Dorticos (24-1, 22 KOs) has touched down in Riga, Latvia for the kickoff press conference ahead of the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight Ali Trophy final. Dorticos will be defending his IBF title against Mairis Briedis (26-1, 19 KOs) on March 21st at the Arena Riga. Briedis will enjoy the home advantage. “I’m excited to be here and be welcomed by the people of Latvia once again,” said Dorticos, who entered the tournament as the #2 seed.

The Miami-based Cuban surprised the boxing world and the crowd in Riga in June by stopping previously unbeaten Andrew Tabiti in the tenth round of his semi-final, and now he is intent on doing the same against Briedis, the tournament #1 seed. “I’m gonna knock him out,” said Dorticos, nicknamed the "KO Doctor". He said, “I feel great and I can’t wait, come fight night and do what I do. I’m honoured and humbled to be fighting for the Muhammad Ali Trophy, I’m going to dedicate it to his memory by winning it and go down in history.”

Mairis Briedis and Yuniel Dorticos will face off tomorrow at the kickoff press conference in Latvia’s capital. Tickets for the Ali Trophy showdown are currently on presale and will go on General Sale at 11am (Riga time) tomorrow (Wednesday, January 22) via bilesuserviss.lv and WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com.

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Briedis – Dorticos tickets on-sale Wednesday
Tickets for the incredible Mairis Briedis vs Yuniel Dorticos Ali Trophy showdown go on sale from €29 on Wednesday, January 22nd at 11am in Latvia (10am CET, 9am in the UK and 5am U.S.) via bilesuserviss.lv and WorldBoxingSuperSeries. com.

https://store.bilesuserviss.lv/public/? ... ert=307321

Ringside floor seats are 120 Euros.

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Press Conference Quotes





Briedis and Dorticos face-to-face in Riga – ‘We are going to see a war!’

Both Mairis Briedis (26-1, 19 KOs) and Yuniel ‘The KO Doctor’ Dorticos (24-1, 22 KOs) prescribed defeat to each other after meeting in Latvia on Wednesday to kick off their hotly-anticipated WBSS Cruiserweight Ali Trophy final at the Arena Riga on March 21.

“It’s great to be in Riga,” said Kalle Sauerland, Chief Boxing Officer of the World Boxing Super Series. “It’s an amazing opportunity to present the final for the biggest and greatest prize in boxing.

“We present the two greatest cruiserweights on the planet. The two best sportsmen of the division. Two guys who have been there and done it all before. Two-time world champions. We, the WBSS, are so proud to be working with these athletes fighting for a trophy in the name of Muhammad Ali, the greatest of the sport.

“The tickets are flying and we expect to sell out within hours if not days. It’s going to be an epic event. We are going to see an absolute war on March 21!”

Dorticos, the Miami-based Cuban holding the IBF title, was oozing confidence on the stage.

“I’m excited to be here, I feel like I’m at home here in Latvia,” he told. “My prediction is simple; on March 21st you will know why I’m called the ‘KO Doctor’. I’m humbled to be part of this tournament and fight for the Muhammad Ali Trophy. That trophy has my name on it and I’m going to take it home.”

Briedis responded to Dorticos’s prediction by revealing a nickname from earlier in his career.

“My nickname used to be the ‘Traumatologist’,” the Latvian told. “Two doctors are going to face each other in the ring, so let’s see who comes out on top. To win the trophy would be a great celebration for Latvia, but now it’s about putting in the hard work to not let anyone down.

“I believe we can expect a great fight because my opponent is a great fighter. I hope he is not just a loudspeaker…

“I’m happy the fight is taking place in Riga. It’s additional weight on my shoulders, but we’ll be ready!”

Tickets for the incredible Mairis Briedis vs Yuniel Dorticos Ali Trophy showdown are on sale from €29 via bilesuserviss.lv and WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com. The final will be broadcast live on DAZN in the U.S. Fans can visit DAZN.com or download the DAZN app to their preferred connected device.

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[DazBoxingFan]

Is this on sky? Great fight

[Ruthless-RKO]

Is this on sky? Great fight

Should be!

[Delta Jay]

Has anyone ever been to Latvia? Do you think this would work as part of a little weekend getaway?

[Ruthless-RKO]

Has anyone ever been to Latvia? Do you think this would work as part of a little weekend getaway?

There’s a guy at work who always goes on city breaks with his parents (he’s only 23).. and he said they’re looking to go Riga. It’s not far from the coast, but I’m guessing it’s not exactly a warm country.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Delta Jay]

Has anyone ever been to Latvia? Do you think this would work as part of a little weekend getaway?

There’s a guy at work who always goes on city breaks with his parents (he’s only 23).. and he said they’re looking to go Riga. It’s not far from the coast, but I’m guessing it’s not exactly a warm country.

Nice one!

[margaret thatcher]

So is this dude's name Yunier or Yuniel?

[danconnollyeire]

In what would basically be the first WBSS CW tournaments 3rd place final. We finally get it.

I just hope Sky Sports pick it up.

I don’t think they actually picked up Inoue-Donaire, which was on a Thursday and would have been at 1pm local time.

This is Latvia, so would be a around 8pm UK time right?

Yeah they're 2 hours in front in Riga so around then I'd guess

Fair play to this generation of CW's by the way. All fight each other. Rarity in modern boxing

[Ruthless-RKO]

Tabiti has said Dorts only has a punchers chance against Briedis.

Is he correct? Or is this the case? I mean he does rely on his power as the KO doctor.

Also, I’m pretty sure he was behind on points against Gassiev before he was eventually stopped.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Renowned Cuban coach, Pedro Roque, believes Muhammad Ali is watching over IBF champ Yuniel Dorticos in the WBSS Cruiserweight Ali Trophy final against Mairis Briedis on March 21 at the Arena Riga.

With a little over two weeks until the final, how would you describe Yuniel’s shape and the vibe at training camp in Miami?

“The vibe has been amazing and Dorticos has been in camp with newly crowned two-time world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux, two-time world champion Rances Barthelemy and two-time world champion Erislandy Lara. He has been training hard and is in superb shape.”

You came in before the Tabiti semi-final and helped Yuniel become world champion again and qualify for the Muhammad Ali Trophy. How do you see his chances of going all the way?

“Dorticos has progressed and learned a whole lot from his last fights and the new version of the champion will showcase his ring IQ boxing skills from the Cuban school and of course his extraordinary power.”

Briedis has told that they are focusing on Yuniel’s punching power and avoiding his big punches. What are you looking at in Briedis’ boxing for your fighter to avoid?

“We don’t look at anything other than Briedis’ dirty tactics in which the whole world has seen in previous fights. Dorticos is a clean fighter and every time he gets into the ring he wants to put up a show and give boxing fans around the world the best of him. His boxing skills are on a different level and he can box or bang if need to so don’t blink come fight night because the lights might be off.”

How do you see the fight going? Yuniel has mentioned a KO, but could there be another scenario for a winning game plan?

“When the bell rings we are ready to fight 1 round or 12 rounds. The champion has mentioned a KO and that might just happen anytime. And if a knockout happens it will be a brutal one just like his last one or even better.”

You are a highly decorated trainer with Olympic gold medalists and world champions under your wings. Where would you put winning the Muhammad Ali Trophy among your triumphs?

“It will be the first time in history a Cuban trainer wins the Ali Trophy with his fighter. It will be an honour when our champion Dorticos picks up the Muhammad Ali Trophy and lifts it up in the air and no other Cuban trainer in the history of Cuban boxing has accomplished that.”

And where would you put Yuniel among Cuban greats if he takes the trophy to Miami?

“I will put him right next to Muhammad Ali because when he wins it will be in the memory and legacy of the all-time greatest. Ali’s spirit is with us and we are blessed to have him watching over our champion, his team and his family.”

You have been there and seen it all in a five-decade career, but how excited are you to be part of this final?

“I am humbled to be part of this historic moment in boxing history and the excitement is like never before in my boxing career. I can’t wait for fight night and the bell to ring!”