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Usyk vs. Briedis Press Conference In Riga
WBO World Champion Aleksandr Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs) and WBC
World Champion Mairis Briedis (23-0, 18 KOs) had their first
face-off in Riga before the Ali Trophy semi-final bout in
the Latvian capital on January 27th.
“Briedis is a good fighter, but the only thing he has that I
want is his belt,” said Usyk. “I am looking forward to
fighting in Riga, it’s going to be a great event. I am sure
there will be a lot of people coming from Ukraine to support
me. People can look forward to an entertaining fight between
two world champions both eager to qualify for the final and
win the Muhammad Ali Trophy.”
Said Mairis Briedis: “It is one of my dreams as a fighter to
be part of one of the greatest fights of all time. I hope
this fight will be a Hall of Fame fight. It has all the
ingredients to become a classic.”
“Usyk was excellent as an amateur and he has been great as a
professional, so it will be a tough challenge, but I believe
that I have what it takes to beat him.”
“It is lovely to be in Riga,” said Comosa’s Chief Boxing
Officer Kalle Sauerland. “This fight will be the biggest
sports event ever on Latvian soil. We have to world
champions, two amazing contenders, two sensational athletes.
Briedis, the national hero of Latvia, the WBC Champion vs.
Usyk, an Olympic Champion and World Champion. So the stage
is set for a night full of drama.”
This biggest cruiserweight unification fight for several
years takes place at the Arena Riga. The same place where
Mairis Briedis booked his place in the semi-final by
outpointing Mike Perez in front of a sold-out crowd of
10.000 fans.
His Ukrainian opponent went to Berlin in in the tournament
opener and produced a spectacular display at the
Max-Schmeling-Arena to stop former world champion Marco Huck
in the 10th round.
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