Briedis praises Riga ahead of title defence
Mairis Briedis (27-1, 19 KOs) and Artur Mann (17-1, 9 KOs) met today at the final pre-fight press conference ahead of their IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Title contest on Saturday night at the Arena Riga in Latvia.
Briedis, who is back in action following his World Boxing Super Series winning performance against Yuniel Dorticos in September 2020, returns to his hometown arena for the first time in over two years to defend his belts against the former WBO International Champion and IBO World Title challenger.
At today’s press conference at the Porsche Centre in Riga, promoter Kalle Sauerland revealed that Saturday’s World Title showdown could be the last time Latvian fans see their local hero Briedis boxing on home soil.
“This weekend is of course going to be a special event as Mairis Briedis defends his World Titles in front of a red-hot atmosphere at the Arena Riga, but it is also going to be an emotional one,” said Sauerland. “I have informed the team that this is going to be Mairis’ last ever appearance in his native Latvia as 2022 will mean us going on the road in order to unify the division.”
“If this is my last fight in Latvia then this has given me additional motivation,” said Briedis. “I will make sure I give everyone at Arena Riga a night to remember. Boxing in Latvia is fantastic. This is my home and fighting here is special. I’ve boxed all over the world, including in the United States, but nowhere is as good as here. I will make sure I enjoy this evening with my fans.”
Looking to spoil the party is German challenger Mann, who having turned 31 on Monday, will be hoping to celebrate with a victory on Saturday night
"I am very motivated,” said Mann. “I’ve been training hard since the day I received a call about this fight. This is the most important thing for me right now. I will give everything in the ring and I hope on Saturday I will succeed.”
IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Championship:
Mairis Briedis: 90kg
Artur Mann: 90.2kg
Middleweight – 8 Rounds:
Jevgenijs Aleksejevs: 73.3kg
Pavel Semjonov: 72kg
Super Middleweight – 4 Rounds:
Francis Rozentals: 76kg
Topias Lepo: 75.5kg
Heavyweight – 6 Rounds:
Bogdan Mironecs: 99.8kg
David Spilmont: 117.4kg
Super Lightweight – 8 Rounds:
Harlem Eubank: 64kg
Nika Nakashidze: 64.5kg
Welterweight – 6 Rounds:
Sergejs Marcenko: 66.5kg
Rasmus Bergman: 66.8kg
Cruiserweight – 6 Rounds:
Milans Volkovs: 90.9kg
Ermin Advic: 91.4kg
Heavyweight – 6 Rounds:
Dmitro Bezus: 124.9kg
Ferenc Urban: 93.6kg
Light Middleweight – 6 Rounds:
Emil Spiss: 72kg
Janos Vass: 64.3kg
Light Middleweight – 4 Rounds:
Toms Limbens: 72.5kg
Siarhei Krapshyla: TBA
Mairis Briedis defends his IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Titles against Artur Mann on October 16 at the Arena Riga in Latvia. Tickets are on sale now and available to purchase via https://www.bilesuserviss.lv.
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