Mairis Briedis, a former three-time cruiserweight champion hailing from Latvia, has recently announced his retirement from the ring. With a sterling record of 28-3(20), Briedis has proven himself to be one of the toughest and most skilled cruiserweight warriors of recent times. Over the course of his nearly 15-year professional career, Briedis faced off against a number of formidable opponents, showcasing his talent and tenacity in the ring.
Throughout his career, Briedis crossed paths with some of the biggest names in the cruiserweight division, including Oleksandr Usyk, Manuel Charr, Marco Huck, and Yuniel Dorticos, among others. His clash with Usyk in the World Boxing Super Series semi-final in 2018 is widely regarded as one of the toughest fights of Usyk’s career, with the Ukrainian emerging victorious by a narrow majority decision. Briedis went on to secure his first world title with a win over Huck in 2017, capturing the vacant WBC belt.
One of Briedis’ most memorable victories came in a controversial bout against Krysztof Glowacki, where he secured the WBO title with a knockout win. However, the victory was marred by allegations of foul play, with Briedis accused of using illegal tactics during the fight. Despite the controversy, Briedis proved his mettle as a fierce competitor in the ring.
As Briedis bids farewell to the sport at the age of 39, he leaves behind a legacy that cements his status as one of the greatest Latvian boxers of all time. Never once stopped in his career, Briedis’ resilience and skill have earned him the respect of fans and fellow fighters alike. With a shot at being inducted into the Hall of Fame, Briedis’ contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come.
In his retirement announcement, Briedis reflected on his illustrious career, sharing a collection of photos that capture the highlights of his time in the ring. While fans may have hoped for a rematch between Briedis and Usyk, the Latvian boxer’s decision to hang up his gloves marks the end of an era in the cruiserweight division. As Briedis steps away from the spotlight, he leaves behind a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations of fighters to pursue greatness in the ring.