Tag: Riga

Mairis Briedis vs. Yuniel Dorticos pushed back to May 16

The Mairis Briedis-Yuniel Dorticos fight, scheduled for March 21 in Latvia, has been pushed back to May 16 as a result of coronavirus.

Now it’s the turn of Mairis Briedis vs. Yuniel Dorticos.

The World Boxing Super Series final and cruiserweight title fight between Briedis and Dorticos, scheduled for March 21 in Riga, Latvia, has been pushed back to May 16 as a result of the coronavirus threat, the BBC reported.

The site remains the same. And tickets for March 21 will be honored on May 16.

Latvian officials have banned events with more than 200 people until April.

“We will adapt to the new situation, keep training and wait for the green light,” said Briedis, a Latvian who will be challenging for Dorticos’ 200-pound title.

“Looking forward to fighting in front of my fans when it’s safe! Take care of yourself, people.”

Said Dorticos: “I understand the impracticality and therefore l will have to wait until May to win the tournament. I ask that everyone be careful and take the necessary steps to stay healthy during these challenging times.”

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Mairis Breidis-Yunier Dorticos fight could be moved and/or delayed

Mairis Breidis-Yunier Dorticos fight could be moved and/or delayed

The Mairis Breidis-Yunier Dorticos cruiserweight showdown might have to moved and/or be postponed because of a Latvian ban on public events.

Another significant fight is in jeopardy because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Mairis Breidis-Yunier Dorticos cruiserweight final in the World Boxing Super Series might have to moved and/or be postponed because of a Latvian ban on public events.

The bout is scheduled for March 21 in Riga, Breidis’ hometown. Latvia has imposed a month-long ban, starting Friday.

“The World Boxing Super Series has learned, as a consequence of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, the government of Latvia has decided that all public events, meetings, processions and pickets with more than 200 participants are banned as of March 13 (until) April 14,” the WBSS said in a statement.

“We are assessing the consequences for the WBSS cruiserweight final, scheduled for March 21 in Riga, with local authorities and the fighters’ teams. We will make a further statement in the coming days.”

The bout has already been subjected to delays. Neither Briedis (26-1, 19 KOs) nor Dorticos (24-1, 22 KOs), a Cuban living in Miami, has fought in about nine months.

Mairis Briedis-Yuniel Dorticos WBSS final set for March 21 in Latvia

Mairis Briedis will face Yuniel Dorticos in the final of the WBSS on March 21 at the Arena Riga in Riga, Latvia, Briedis’ hometown.

Mairis Briedis will vie for the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight championship in a familiar locale.

Briedis will face Yuniel Dorticos in the final of the tournament on March 21 at the Arena Riga in Riga, Latvia, Briedis’ hometown. The fight will be streamed on DAZN.

Briedis (26-1, 19 KOs) defeated Noel Gevor by a unanimous decision in the quarterfinals and then stopped Krzysztof Glowacki in three rounds in the semis to reach the WBSS championship match. Dorticos (24-1, 22 KOs) beat Mateusz Masternak by a unanimous decision and knocked out Andrew Tabiti in 10 rounds.

“I’m really looking forward to the final,” said Briedis, the tournament’s 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.”

Dorticos, a Cuban emigre, is known for his punching power.

“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.”

Oleksander Usyk won the inaugural WBSS cruiserweight tournament to establish himself as the top 200-pounder and then moved up to heavyweight. The winner of the March 21 fight also will be seen as the No. 1 cruiserweight.

Briedis lost a majority decision to Usyk in January 2018, which arguably was the toughest fight of Usyk’s career.

Here are the previous winners of the Muhammad Ali Trophy, signifying the tournament champion:

2018-19: Naoya Inoue, bantamweight
2018-19: Josh Taylor, junior welterweight
2017-18: Aleksandr Usyk, cruiserweight
2017-18: Callum Smith, super middleweight