By Mauricio Sulaiman – I am in Riga, Latvia, and still feel the great joy of Saturday night’s event at Riga Arena, where Alexandr Usyk dethroned local hero Mairis Briedis. It is, without a doubt, the best cruiserweight championship fight in the division’s history. The fight card was organized by the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) with extraordinary production, making this “an event.” The world-class arena was packed and the atmosphere was electric throughout the 12 rounds.
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The latest boxing top stories and breaking news
Matthysse knocks Kiram out cold in 8th round!
In his third opportunity at a world title, Argentine knockout artist Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse (39-4, 36 KOs) stopped previously undefeated Thai superstar Tewa Kiram (37-1, 27 KOs) in the eighth round of a scheduled 12-round fight to win the WBA Welterweight World Championship on HBO Boxing After Dark in front of a roaring crowd of 6,143 boxing fans at Los Angeles’ “Fabulous” Forum.
Does a Deontay Wilder Anthony Joshua fight have to take place in America?
Once again, Deontay Wilder has urged Anthony Joshua to face him in a huge unification clash in America. The reigning WBC king, readying himself for his March 3 defence against Cuban dangerman Luis Ortiz (Wilder admitting that he does have some concern over Ortiz possibly failing another drugs test; this of course ruining Ortiz’ challenge of Wilder last November) – says AJ must fight him in America and that he will earn far more money if he does so.
Aleksandr Usyk vs Mairis Breidis (Preview & Prediction)
Oleksandr Usyk and Mairis Breidis meet head-up in a cruiserweight unification bout at Arena Riga in Riga, Latvia. Back in July 2017 this division sparked a buzz amongst avid followers of the sport once it was revealed all major sanctioning bodies would be involved in the World Boxing Super Series. The ho-hum quarterfinals played out as more of opportunity to get all 4-fighters on the same schedule. Now the time has come for the big boys to find out if they measure up versus the elite.
Usyk vs Briedis This Saturday, Interview & Open Workout Photos
WBO-Champion Aleksandr Usyk and WBC-Champion Mairis Briedis entertained the masses at an open training before their Ali Trophy semi-final clash on Saturday at the Arena Riga, Latvia.
“People can look forward to a great fight between two world champions,” said Aleksandr Usyk.
Oleksandr Usyk has big plans for AFTER he’s won The WBSS – a move up to heavyweight and a fight with Anthony Joshua
The final fights in the fascinating and hugely exciting World Boxing Super Series are soon to be upon us, at both super-middleweight and at cruiserweight. And in terms of the 200 pound tournament, many fans and experts are picking unbeaten Ukrainian star Oleksandr Usyk to pick up The Muhammad Ali Trophy.
Southpaw Usyk, 13-0(11) will face Mairis Breidis, the reigning WBC cruiserweight champ, this Saturday night in Riga, Latvia, and the WBO champ can emerge as a two-belt ruler who is set for a place in the final if he can take away Breidis’ unbeaten record of 23-0(18). It could be a great fight and a great night on Saturday, but already Usyk is looking at even bigger things:
Errol Spence Jr. is the best welterweight in the world, but he needs to beat Keith Thurman to prove it
Errol Spence looked superb in beating down a tough and game Lamont Peterson last night, scoring an ultra-dominant victory that came at the start of round-eight. The IBF welterweight king retained his belt for the first time since ripping it from Kell Brook and many people are fully expecting “The Truth,” as the hugely talented southpaw is known, to enjoy a long, long reign.
The Floyd Mayweather who crushed Diego Corrales: Pretty enough to have beaten any 130 pounder ever?
Some fight fans point to Floyd Mayweather’s commanding decision win over Canelo Alvarez, others to “Money’s” brutal dismantling of the much loved Arturo Gatti. But many other boxing fans say there is one commanding choice when it comes to the 50-0 master’s finest, most exceptional and – perhaps most importantly – fan-friendliest ring performance: his 2001 annihilation of the late, great Diego Corrales (for those fight fans who believe, how great must it be, Diego and Arturo, talking and comparing their great wars and great fights, as they share memories up above!)
Devon Alexander vs Victor Ortiz – Career Crossroads
There comes a time for all us when we have to make a stand. Maybe we are backed against wall or faced with impossible decision. Either way we are forced to bet on ourselves. We choose a path and walk down it confident that we have made the right choice. Many of us have had to traverse many crossroads in life. These particular fighters are at a crossroad in their respective careers. Down one road is another shot at glory, relevancy, big paydays and title opportunities. Down the other is the path to mid-level purgatory. Labeled as a gatekeeper, a hype job, wasted potential or stepping stone fighter. Devon Alexander vs Victor Ortiz is a fight where the two men involved are at that crossroad right now. Both of these men need a win. Both of them want to get back to the top of their division. Both were once labeled as future heirs to the throne at 140 or 147. Now they are fighting to reclaim that lost glory. Below we break down these fighters and how they got to this point in their careers.
Jeff Horn vs Terence Crawford set for April 14 at Madison Square Garden
Every fighter dreams of fighting under the bright lights of Las Vegas, and of boxing inside the deeply historic Madison Square Garden in New York. It was thought Australian warrior Jeff Horn would get the opportunity to do the former this coming April, but now it has been announced how the reigning WBO welterweight champion will instead experience the latter.
Horn’s mandatory defence against the unbeaten Terence Crawford, originally thought to be on for April 21 in Las Vegas, has been brought forward a week and to New York’s legendary venue. Naturally Horn and his whole team are thrilled at the news.