Both Mairis Briedis (26-1, 19 KOs) and IBF cruiserweight world champion Yuniel ‘The KO Doctor’ Dorticos (24-1, 22 KOs) prescribe defeat to each other after meeting in Latvia on Wednesday to kick off their hotly-anticipated World Boxing Super Series final at the Arena Riga on March 21.
Yuniel Dorticos: “I’m excited to be here, I feel like I’m at home here in Latvia. My prediction is simple; on March 21st you will know why I’m called the ‘KO Doctor’. I’m humbled to be part of this tournament and fight for the Muhammad Ali Trophy. That trophy has my name on it and I’m going to take it home.”
Mairis Briedis: “My nickname used to be the ‘Traumatologist.’ Two doctors are going to face each other in the ring, so let’s see who comes out on top. To win the trophy would be a great celebration for Latvia, but now it’s about putting in the hard work to not let anyone down. I believe we can expect a great fight because my opponent is a great fighter. I hope he is not just a loudspeaker…I’m happy the fight is taking place in Riga. It’s additional weight on my shoulders, but we’ll be ready!”
Promoter Kalle Sauerland: “It’s great to be in Riga. It’s an amazing opportunity to present the final for the biggest and greatest prize in boxing. We present the two greatest cruiserweights on the planet. The two best sportsmen of the division. Two guys who have been there and done it all before. Two-time world champions. We, the WBSS, are so proud to be working with these athletes fighting for a trophy in the name of Muhammad Ali, the greatest of the sport. The tickets are flying and we expect to sell out within hours if not days. It’s going to be an epic event. We are going to see an absolute war on March 21!”
Why anyone would fight Briedis in Riga after the Glowacki debacle is beyond me.