Mairis Briedis vs. Yuniel Dorticos - 26 September 2020

[Ruthless-RKO]

Matchroom Boxing's Eddie Hearn said: “I’m excited to announce our latest shows as we continue to bring boxing back during these unprecedented times. It’s so important to continue the momentum and as we leave behind an epic Fight Camp series, we now hope to see fans return to arenas. As those talks continue with the government, we are committed to running these shows with or without fans.

“I’m particularly pleased to see Joshua Buatsi return to the ring after a year out through illness and the pandemic. Josh is one of the most exciting young stars in the sport and he looks to make a statement as he prepares to challenge for a World Title in 2021. As women’s boxing continues its rise, Chantelle Cameron gets her chance at a World Title against the dangerous Adriana Dos Santos Araujo who has a whole host of victories on her amateur and professional CV.

“A couple of weeks later, the rescheduled Newcastle card emerges with Lewis Ritson against former World King Miguel Vazquez and an all-British World Title fight between Savannah Marshall and Hannah Rankin. Then in November, the big one, just a few weeks after one of the most dramatic Heavyweight bouts we have seen, Dillian Whyte rematches Alexander Povetkin in a must-win clash that will be full of drama.

“Before all that we bring you a brilliant fight between Yuniel Dorticos and Mairis Briedis in the WBSS Cruiserweight Final, and there is a whole host of other announcements to complete our autumn and winter schedule coming very soon.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Sauerland On WBSS Finals Move From Latvia to Germany: Safety Was Priority

Kalle Sauerland, the Chief Boxing Officer of the World Boxing Super Series, was dead set on getting the celebrated tournament back underway even as the deadly Covid-19 pandemic obliterated sporting events around the world.

But the question of safety was at the top of the list.

Which is why the recently announced WBSS cruiserweight finals between Cuba’s Yuniel Dorticos (24-1, 22 KOs) and Latvia’s Mairis Briedis (26-1, 19 KOs) will take place in Munich, Germany, as opposed to the original location in Latvia.

“…Germany is a territory that has coped very well with the pandemic and has had boxing and sporting events take place already post-pandemic,” Sauerland told Boxing Social. “It was also the first major [soccer] league to be back.”

“It’s a country that has been a leader so far in coping with the pandemic, so it’s a territory that we felt was the most efficient place for us to stage it. That, together with the production facilities of Plazamedia, made the decision for us.”

The fight, which had to be cancelled twice because of Covid-19, will take place indoors in a controlled environment, closed off to the public.

“[Plazamedia Broadcasting Center] is one of the best and most hi-tech film studios in the world,” said Sauerland. “The Germans are renowned for their technology and innovation, and this studio is no exception. So you’re going to see an epic production.

“Given all the other moving targets there were for us around this final – for example the boxers coming from opposite sides of the Atlantic – so we wanted a venue we felt was neutral under those circumstances.”

Unlike other promoters who could pick and choose which fighters to fight in their events, the WBSS did not have that luxury, Sauerland noted. Given the tourney format of the WBSS, come hell or high water, they had to move forward with Briedis and Dorticos.

“There were other big fights that were set to be made before the pandemic where you could change the pairings,” Sauerland said. “With us it was a bit different. We had a final already featuring two guys who had qualified via fantastic semi-finals and quarter-finals so we had no choice – we couldn’t take Briedis and match him with a different European opponent, or do it the other way around and take Dorticos and match him against a different American opponent.

“We had to go with these guys. It was non-negotiable, they were not interchangeable – they were irreplaceable. We had to stick within those parameters.”

Briedis earned his spot by stopping Krzysztof Glowacki last June; Dorticos earned his on the same card by knocking out Andrew Tabiti. Both fighters made it to the semi-finals in the first iteration of the tournament, with Dorticos losing to Murat Gassiev and Briedis dropping a decision to Oleksandr Usyk, who would go on to win the whole thing by beating Gassiev in the finals in 2018.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Bunn, Radovan, Alisch on Undercard

Germany’s Leon Bunn (15-0, 8 KOs), Denis Radovan (13-0-1, 6 KOs), and Sophie Alisch (5-0, 1 KO) are confirmed on the undercard of the WBSS Cruiserweight Final between Mairis Briedis and Yuniel Dorticos for the Muhammad Ali Trophy, Ring Magazine belt, and IBF World title at the Plazamedia Broadcasting Center in Munich, Germany on 26 September.

Leon Bunn had a breakout 2019 as he won the IBF International Light Heavyweight title in May before successfully defending his title against world title challenger Enrico Kölling in November.

The unbeaten 28-year-old, ranked number 5 with the IBF and number 11 with the WBO, will be fighting at super middleweight for the first time as he challenges Finland’s Timo Laine (27-13, 11 KOs) across eight rounds.

“I’m really looking forward to fight on such a big event,” said Bunn. “It feels good to be back in the ring and to continue my journey towards becoming a World Champion.”

Also on the card is highly rated IBF European Middleweight Champion Denis Radovan. Radovan claimed two victories last year as he won the IBF title against Ronny Mittag in April before marking his UK debut against Luke Blackledge on the undercard of the WBSS Super-Lightweight final in October.

The unbeaten 27-year-old will be defending his title against tough Polish middleweight Robert Talarek (24-13-3, 16 KOs).

“It’s an honour to showcase my talent on the biggest boxing tournament in history,” said Radovan. “I seriously can’t wait to hear that bell ring so I can do what I do best. I’m pumped and ready to bring the heat!”

One of Germany’s most exciting prospects Sophie Alisch will be fighting for the first time in 2020, as the 18-year-old known as ‘Die Zukunft’ (The Future) returns to the ring following her unanimous decision victory over world title challenger Irma Adler in November 2019.

Alisch it aiming to impress as she faces another former world title challenger in Edina Kiss (15-13, 9 KOs).

“It’s a great honour for me to be fighting on a prestigious and global event like the World Boxing Super Series,” said Alisch. “I am looking forward to continuing my development. If everything works out well I want a title fight in 2021!”

The hotly-anticipated World Boxing Super Series Season II Cruiserweight Final will be held on 26 September in a film studio under Covid-19 rules and with no spectators at Plazamedia Broadcasting Center, a leading live sports production house in Munich.

[handsofstone]

This years Cruiserweight WBSS just hasn't been the same but this is still a great final, I've got to admit I'm not a fan of Briedis, never have been really, I thought he lost the QF to Mikaelian and was lucky to get rewarded a TKO in the SF against Glowacki, that elbow finished Glowacki and had a massive impact in the result, could've easily been a DQ/NC

Dorticos pulled out a worldy of a KO against Tabiti last time out, nothing controversial about that, I think he beats Briedis here, I think hes better in every department apart from maybe durability , I think it'll be close and go to the wire but I think it will be Dorticos who'll get his hand raised

[margaret thatcher]

I don't think Dort is faster or better conditioned or better footwork or more durable or more accurate, etc. And Briedis has more variation/craft to him, Dorticos basically just comes forward winging predictable 1-2s the whole time, was surprised by how easily Gassiev turned into a boxer-mover and schooled him, Dort couldnt cut off the ring or land a clean shot all night vs a guy who is usually a straight ahead plodder (as gass's next fight showed, not winning a round vs Usyk, who Breidis prob gave his toughest fight)

Briedis is hot and cold though, and has been open to rights in the past and sometimes just keeps falling into clinches. looked awful vs the Armenian/German guy, then destroyed Glowakci one fight later, not convinced the elbow made the difference tbh, glowacki fought back hard after that but got caught with a lovely quick uppercut to start the end, similar to how he ktfo charr. will be interesting

One thing about Briedis being hot and cold though....he's brought it for his biggest fights, which were prob Usyk, Glowacki, Huck, and maybe moving to hw for Charr, so I expect a good version of him and got a feeling he'll pull it out

excited for it, prob my fave fight since da covid hit

[handsofstone]

[Ruthless-RKO]

Yuniel Dorticos arrives in Germany, ready for Mairis Briedis in WBSS final

After several delays and postponements, Mairis Briedis and Yuniel Dorticos are finally set to conclude the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight tournament that began in late 2018, as the two will meet this Saturday on DAZN (12:00 pm ET) from Germany.

Dorticos (24-1, 22 KO) will be defending his IBF title in the fight, and also looking to win the vacant Ring Magazine championship, as this is seen by pretty much everybody as a No. 1 vs No. 2 fight in the division at this point. The 34-year-old Cuban, who now lives in Miami, has arrived in Munich and is set to go.

“The trip went smoothly,” he told the WBSS. “I am happy to have finally arrived I’m Munich, and I can’t wait for Saturday night to come.”

Dorticos is, like many Cuban pros, no stranger to fighting all over the place. As a pro, most of his fights have been in the U.S., but he’s also fought in France, Russia, and Latvia in recent outings, as the cruiserweight division is really biggest in Europe.

“I can fight anywhere, and I loved every second of fighting all over the world,” he said. “I’m very honoredand humbled to be fighting for the Muhammad Ali Trophy here in Munich. I’m going to dedicate it to his memory by winning it and go down in history.

“I am going to bring the Muhammad Ali Trophy, Ring Magazine Belt and my IBF belt to Miami!”

[NoScoutingReports]

Show starts at 10pm Saturday on Sky Sports Main Event and Arena, should be a belter.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Show starts at 10pm Saturday on Sky Sports Main Event and Arena, should be a belter.

I take it is just gna be this fight then?

Josh Taylor will probably be around 1am know FW shows..

[NoScoutingReports]

Show starts at 10pm Saturday on Sky Sports Main Event and Arena, should be a belter.

I take it is just gna be this fight then?

Josh Taylor will probably be around 1am know FW shows..

It looks that way mate, only a small window of time on the TV Guide so I'd guess so. More chance of JT clashing with Showtime

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Picks: Mairis Briedis-Yuniel Dorticos

The cruiserweight final of the World Boxing Super Series between Mairis Briedis and IBF titleholder Yuniel Dorticos will take place at the Plazamedia Broadcasting Center, a leading live sports production house in Munich, Germany, on Saturday.

The winner will be crowned The Ring Magazine champion and will also collect the prestigious Muhammad Ali Trophy.

Briedis, who is rated No. 1 by The Ring at 200 pounds, edged Noel Gevor (UD 12) and stopped Kryzysztof Glowacki (TKO 3) in a wild and controversial affair to reach the final. The 35-year-old Latvian is a former WBC beltholder but lost the title and his undefeated record to WBSS Season 1 winner Aleksandr Usyk (MD 12).

Dorticos, who is rated No. 2, by the Ring, labored in his win over Mateusz Masternak (UD 12) but was much more impressive knocking out the unbeaten American Andrew Tabiti (KO 10) to secure safe passage to the final. The 34-year-old Cuban lost at the semi-final stage in Season 1, when he was stopped by Murat Gassiev (TKO 12) in a barnburner.

Briedis (26-1, 19 knockouts) hasn’t found his best form since losing to Usyk and he’ll have to find it to see off Dorticos. Both are concussive hitters, but who will take the better punch? Can Dorticos (24-1, 22 KOs) keep the fight at range and prevent Briedis from making it rough on the inside? The fight had been scheduled for March and then May in Riga, which would have been a big advantage to Briedis, but that no longer applies. Who has dealt with the lay off and disruption better?

Online gambling group William Hill lists Briedis as an 8-15 (-188) favorite, while Dorticos is priced at 11-8 (+138); the draw is 18-1 (+1800).

Here’s how the experts see it:

THE RING MAGAZINE/ RINGTV.COM

TOM GRAY: BRIEDIS UD
“I liked Briedis ahead of the original date in March and I still do. Briedis has superior ring craft and he’s never been stopped. Both guys are warriors, so I expect some great action, but I think Briedis will control the beginning, the middle and the end of the fight. Dorticos might struggle to last the full 12 and could suffer a knockdown or two during the championship rounds. The one caveat I have now is that the result could be dependent on how each fighter has dealt with the pandemic and subsequent inactivity.”

ANSON WAINWRIGHT: DORTICOS TKO 10
“Briedis has made Riga something of a fortress over the past couple of years, and that [location] would have been a big advantage for him going into this fight. However, the playing field has now levelled up. Both hit hard, although Dorticos is probably the bigger one-punch knockout artist. He’s also the better athlete and his speed may cause Briedis some issues. Briedis has the better chin and I don’t think he’ll have a problem making this an all-out brawl. I think things may be close at the halfway point and go back and forth until ‘The KO Doctor’ breaks through and lands a barrage of shots that hurt the Latvian. Dorticos to will jump on him and force the referee to stop the fight.”

LEE GROVES: DORTICOS UD
“When this fight was first scheduled, Briedis would have enjoyed an enormous home ring advantage in Riga, but now that the fight is being held on neutral ground in Munich that edge disappears. I believe that Dorticos will apply his five-inch reach advantage and box at long range; if he chooses to follow that blueprint for the entire fights, he can set up his bombs while minimizing his exposure to Briedis’. While Briedis’ power is a wild card, I think Dorticos will see it through.”

RON BORGES: BRIEDIS PTS
“I’m sticking with my earlier prediction that Briedis outpoints Dorticos despite the fact Dorticos is the more dangerous puncher. Originally Briedis would have had the crowd on his side but in a locked down arena in Munich he won’t have that edge, but he’ll still have the advantage in boxing skills and enough power to make Dorticos hold back just enough to lose a close decision.”

MARTY MULCAHEY: DORTICOS TKO
“With the defection of Aleksandr Usyk to heavyweight, this is the best possible matchup that can be made at cruiserweight. It will rightfully crown a Ring Magazine champion, and on paper it looks like a traditional puncher versus boxer match. Dorticos is the slugger while Briedis works angles and has a slight speed advantage. However, Dorticos matriculated through the vaunted Cuban amateur system, and that is why I give him the edge, and I believe the veteran will find a way to win over the Latvian who came to boxing late. Look for Briedis to start strong (despite not having a home country advantage as was the case when this fight was originally scheduled before COVID hit) but fade in every round after the fourth and become Dorticos’ 23rd stoppage victim in the championship rounds.”

MICHAEL MONTERO: BRIEDIS UD
“It’s only a hunch, but I feel that Briedis has a little more left in the tank than Dorticos does. Briedis has defeated the better opposition as a pro and, in terms of x-factors, the Latvian has fought in Germany five times (5-0, 4 KOs), while Dorticos is yet to do so. I like Briedis by decision.”

MICHAEL WOODS: BRIEDIS UD
“How you saw this one could change, couldn’t it, from BC to AC? Before COVID to “after” COVID, do I tend to find more favor in one or the other because of the length of time since they gloved up (June 2019)? Some eyes were open to the fact that the Latvian owns a real good arsenal when he was winning plenty of minutes during rounds with Aleksandr Usyk (January 2018). That was his sole loss, by the way. He is 35, turns 36 in January, but it’s not like I worry more because he’s fighting a young gun. Dorticos, age 34, turns 35 in March. Dorticos has more pop on paper, but anyone assessing this thing should ideally add an asterisk. You are, because of COVID protocol variations, less likely to know how training went, and if the time off between fights might lessen someone’s expected effectiveness on fight night. Breidis is an under-radar guy, but he’s fun to watch. Aggressive, has fun while he works, looks to destruct and destroy, and yet he can be countered, he squares up, sometimes gets “too” aggressive. Will be fun to see if Dorticos can time him, deliver a crackerjack right down the middle, while Breidis is about to start his own right hand. This had the makings of a good one when we entered the “virus interruptus” period of pugilism, and that still holds. I think. I had thought “BC” the Latvian could be able to defuse that Cuban power pack over the whole 12…and get a UD, close on points. I still hold to that.”

NORM FRAUENHEIM: BRIEDIS UD
“Dorticos has scary power, summed up by his knockout percentage of 91 percent. But Briedis isn’t frightened by much of anything, mostly because of a versatile skillset that includes the resilient durability he’ll need against Dorticos. It promises to be an up-and-down fight. Might be controversial, too. In the end however, Briedis has the wherewithal to elude and withstand big shots in the early going. In the late moments, he’ll make the kind of adjustments that show up on the scorecard for a narrow decision.”

Total: Briedis 5 - 3 Dorticos

[PredatorHayds]

I fancy Briedis on Points.
Could be close though. Could be some value on the Draw.

[margaret thatcher]

Seen a lot of talk on the move out of Latvia hurting Briedis but he's spent much of his career globe trotting and is 5-0 in Germany, including winning his first title there. Both these dudes have no problems fighting anywhere in the world, quite a varied list of countries they've been, especially the elbow slinger

Briedis

Latvia
Poland
Germany
USA
Greece
Russia (Chechnya and Moscow)
UK

Dort-ritos

USA
France
Russia
Latvia
Now will be Germany

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

Briedis vs Dorticos predictions, picks, who wins the fight?



Scott Christ

I think this is really 50/50; I might not have when the tournament started, but Briedis has fought rather uninspired in two of his last three outings, and the Glowacki debacle was a whole other ball of elbowing chaos.

But I just think he’s a more well-rounded fighter than Dorticos, too, and I’m wagering that the Brieidis who gave Oleksandr Usyk a really hard night will show up, or at least something close enough to that that he’ll be able to get the better of things with Dorticos. I think it’s going to be close, and I think Dorticos might wind up with an argument, and he’s a really good puncher, too. But Briedis can grind this out, I believe, out-last Dorticos and do a bit more. I’m not confident in this pick at all, but I’m going with Briedis in a tight one. Briedis SD-12

Wil Esco

Mairis Briedis has put on one of my favorite performances in recent memory, absolutely clobbering Krzysztof Glowacki last summer. Never mind all the fouls and theatrics, that only made it that much better for my viewing pleasure, and I will not apologize for taking any enjoyment in how that all played out. Doticos, meanwhile, is someone I’ve admittedly slept on a little bit, but I’m coming around. I think Brieidis is quicker and slicker than Dorticos, but the Cuban fighter has proven that he can change a fight quick, fast, and in a hurry, and that makes him seriously dangerous.

I expect Briedis to come out trying to box early, and Dorticos amenable to that as he tries to gauge his timing in the expectations of landing his thunder. Luckily for him, I think Briedis’ legs are fading and he’ll probably have to fight more he expects by the middle rounds and just about anything can happen in exchanges. For some reason, I just think Dorticos will be able to find something big to land at some point and be able to jump on Briedis to force a stoppage. That’s probably much better than his chances of winning on the cards. Dorticos TKO-9

Patrick L. Stumberg

Briedis’ weird inconsistency is made all the more frustrating by his capability for shockingly impressive acts of violence. When he’s on, his blend of pivots and murderous punching is a sight to behold; just watch the knockdown sequences against Glowacki. When he’s off, he’s ineffective and not even the entertaining kind of dirty. The former Briedis takes Dorticos down in a firefight, while the latter Briedis will have to rely on German Judging (tm) to hoist the trophy.

Call it optimism or nostalgia for the guy who nearly blasted Mahmoud Charr’s face off, but I say the former Briedis shows up. For my money, he’s is just a little sharper and a little more adept at forcing his kind of fight than the plodding Dorticos. He’s stood up to heavy hitters like Olanrewaju Durodola as well, so there’s reason to believe he can survive protracted exchanges with the “KO Doctor.” The more Dorticos forces a firefight, the more likely it is that Briedis catches him throwing. As the rounds slip by and Dorticos finds himself in an ever-deeper hole, expect that climactic exchange to come about. Briedis TKO-11

Lewis Watson

I’m finding it really hard to split these two. Briedis is more of a complete package than Dorticos, who is able to offer eye-catching combinations, mixing up attacks successfully to the head and body. He’s well conditioned, has a gas tank that is comfortable over the distance and has plenty of experience at the top table. Dorticos is big at the weight and often converts via kayo. He’s not just a slugger. His timing is often the biggest reason for his success and Briedis will have to be wary of getting countered. I’m feeling a Dorticos come-from-behind stoppage, down on the scorecards. Dorticos KO-9

And the staff winner is...

We have a draw (2-2)!

How to Watch Briedis vs Dorticos

Date: Saturday, Sept. 26 | Start Time: 3pm ET
Location: Plazamedia Broadcasting Center, Munich, Germany
TV: Sky Sports Main Event (10pm UK)
Stream: DAZN (Sign Up Here)

[Ruthless-RKO]

Dorticos checked in at a fighting fit 199.5 pounds (announced at 90.6 kg.)

Briedis registered a chiseled 198 pounds (90.2 kg.)

[cormack]

piss poor organisation having this on the same night as Taylors bout , FFS they could have done one tonight and one sat !

[Ruthless-RKO]

piss poor organisation having this on the same night as Taylors bout , FFS they could have done one tonight and one sat !

I would have thought they could have done this tonight.. or even Taylor. FW is know for Friday night cards.

[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

so long ago now couldnt remember what i thought , not sure if there is fans or not think it will suite doc if there aint as briedis would of had the backing, also think both wont be as sharp which could also favour doc , lets hope its a good fight, as this is a huge fight

[Ruthless-RKO]

We get out 3rd place final. Finally.

[margaret thatcher]

I bet Erislandy Savon would've been a f@cking studly cruiser pro, dude had slick silky skills and a ktfo punch on him too, Tony yoka sure knows man! lar oko sure knows too man!

[cormack]

really looking forward to this one !
Breidis fights tend not be dull

[cormack]

I bet Erislandy Savon would've been a f@cking studly cruiser pro, dude had slick silky skills and a ktfo punch on him too, Tony yoka sure knows man! lar oko sure knows too man!

the same thing will occur if he fights Dubois

[Ruthless-RKO]

Boxer removed by World Boxing Super Series after Covid contact tracing

World Boxing Super Series organizers have released a statement following a positive Covid-19 test surrounding the cruiserweight final.

The main event featuring Mairis Briedis vs. Yuniel Dorticos in a world title clash for the Ali Trophy remains unaffected.

WBSS said the following: “After testing all of the boxers for tonight’s event in Munich, all tests have returned negative.

“However, a member of one of the undercard teams has been tracked to be in contact with a person who has tested positive for Covid-19.

“The boxer in question, Robert Talarek, returned a negative Covid-19 test result. But due to doctors’ advice and the stringent hygiene and safety protocols in place around the World Boxing Super Series event and the requirements from the Bavarian authorities, the boxer is removed from the event.

"Comosa AG has followed all of the required guidelines and takes the health & safety of everyone involved in the event extremely seriously.

“Comosa AG will formally announce a replacement, following the hygiene and safety procedures, later today.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Stats and Stakes

Mairis Briedis

Age: 35
Title: None
Previous Titles: WBC cruiserweight (2017-18, 1 Defense); WBO Cruiserweight (2019)
Height: 6’1
Weight: 198 ¾ lbs.
Stance: Orthodox
Hails from: Riga, Latvia
Record: 26-1, 19 KO
Press Rankings: #1 (TBRB, Ring, Boxing Monthly, BoxRec), #2 (ESPN)
WBSS Seed: 1
Record in Major Title Fights: 3-1, 1 KO
Last Five Opponents: 100-5-2 (.944)
Current/Former World Champions/Titlists Faced: Marco Huck UD12; Oleksandr Usyk L12; Krzysztof Glowacki TKO3

vs.

Yuniel Dorticos

Age: 34
Title: IBF Cruiserweight (2019-Present, 1st Attempted Defense)
Previous Titles: WBA cruiserweight (2016-18, 1 Defense)
Height: 6’3
Weight: 199 ¾ lbs.
Stance: Orthodox
Hails from: Miami, Florida (Born in Cuba)
Record: 24-1, 22 KO, 1 KOBY
Press Rankings: #1 (ESPN), #2 (TBRB, Ring, Boxing Monthly), #4 (BoxRec)
WBSS Seed: 2
Record in Major Title Fights: 2-1, 2 KO, 1 KOBY (3-1, 3 KO, 1 KOBY including interim title fights)
Last Five Opponents: 126-7 (.947)
Current/Former World Champions/Titlists Faced: Murat Gassiev TKO by 12