THREE-TIME world cruiserweight champion Mairis Briedis has introduced his retirement from boxing.
The 39-year-old, who will have a good time his 40th birthday subsequent January, brings the curtain down on an expert profession which started in his native Latvia on October 11, 2009. His four-round factors win towards Raulis Racilauskas kicked off a 15-year skilled profession which culminated in defeat towards Jai Opetaia on Could 18, 2024.
In a press release printed on social media, Briedis stated: “I wish to share a call that was not straightforward for me to make. Firstly, as a result of the street that I’ve travelled through the years has been stuffed with so many unforgettable moments and joys of victory, it has made me the particular person I’m at present and has allowed me to pursue new objectives and achievements.
“With the deepest gratitude to each one that has supported me or motivated me in some unspecified time in the future, or just adopted my journey, I want to say thanks and formally announce the top of my skilled profession.”
Twenty-eight wins, three defeats, 20 inside the gap, eight world title fights (5 wins) and a three-time world cruiserweight champion. It’s a profession to look again on fondly and with satisfaction.
Briedis might have been an eccentric character – who might neglect his pursuit of a money-maker towards Jake Paul – however the Lativan legend might struggle. And till Tyson Fury pushed Oleksandr Usyk all the way in which of their undisputed heavyweight title conflict three months in the past it was Briedis who had given the Ukrainian wizard the hardest evening of his profession once they met in Riga practically seven years in the past. Their unification bout was not solely among the finest fights of 2018 however one of many best cruiserweight battles ever to have taken place.
Having misplaced to Usyk within the World Boxing Tremendous Collection semi-final Briedis managed to go one higher in 2020 defeating Yuriel Dorticos within the ultimate so as to add the Muhammad Ali Trophy to his cupboard of accolades.
However on Could 18 this 12 months Brieidis was to have his ultimate dance in Saudi Arabia towards Opetaia in a rematch of their brutal encounter from July 2022 which the Australian gained on factors. Second time round Briedis confirmed the guts and offensive stress we had develop into accustomed to by battling again within the second half of the struggle to push the world’s primary cruiserweight all the way in which as soon as once more.
Former promoter Kalle Sauerland stated on social media, “Completely perceive your resolution. On the identical time I’m blessed to have these great experiences collectively. The highs, the lows, the highs – in fact we’ll always remember profitable the World Boxing Tremendous Collection but in addition some memorable journeys collectively. Many, many joyful recollections.”
Thanks for having me over into your camp Mairis. It was an expertise which helped develop me massively into the fighter I’m and proceed to be. It was an honour.
An outstanding champion with an excellent file.
All the perfect for the long run 🙌🙌 https://t.co/kspUpeXOd1
— Chris Billam-Smith (@ChrisBillam) August 19, 2024
Boxing Information want to want Mairis Briedis a cheerful retirement.
