BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
Mairis Briedis, a former three-time cruiserweight champion from Latvia, has recently announced his retirement from professional boxing. With a remarkable record of 28-3(20), Briedis leaves behind a legacy as one of the most talented and toughest cruiserweight warriors of his time. Over the course of his nearly 15-year career, Briedis faced off against some of the biggest names in the division, showcasing his skills and determination in the ring.
Amongst his notable opponents were Oleksandr Usyk, Manuel Charr, Marco Huck, Mike Perez, Noel Mikaelian, Krysztof Glowacki, Yuniel Dorticos, and Jai Opetaia. Briedis’ clash with Usyk in the World Boxing Super Series semi-final in 2018 proved to be one of the toughest fights of Usyk’s career, with the Ukrainian winning by a majority decision. Briedis secured his first world title by defeating Huck in April 2017 to claim the vacant WBC belt. He later went on to win the WBO title by knocking out Glowacki in a controversial bout where Briedis utilized questionable tactics to emerge victorious.
Despite his retirement at the age of 39, Briedis can be regarded as one of the greatest Latvian boxers in history. With an impressive career that saw him face various fighting styles and challengers, Briedis has a strong case for induction into the Boxing Hall of Fame. His resilience and determination in the ring, coupled with his achievements as a three-time champion, highlight his impact on the sport.
In a short retirement announcement, Briedis expressed gratitude for his time in the ring and shared a collection of photos from his illustrious career. His fights against the best in the division and his ability to adapt to different opponents showcase his versatility and skill as a boxer. While fans may have hoped for a rematch between Briedis and Usyk, his retirement leaves a lasting impression on the sport of boxing.
Overall, Mairis Briedis’ retirement marks the end of an era in the cruiserweight division, but his legacy as a talented and resilient fighter will endure in the annals of boxing history.
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