Mairis Breidis will finally meet Yuniel Dorticos in the World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight final on September 26 in Munich.
Dorticos’ IBF world title will be at stake, as well as the coveted Muhammad Ali Trophy when the pair collide behind closed doors at Plazamedia Broadcasting Center, following two postponements in March and May, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Former two-time world champion, Briedis, the tournament’s number one seed saw off Noel Gevor and Krzysztof Glowacki following a highly controversial fight last June, in which the Latvian elbowed his opponent and knocked him down after the bell in the second round, before stopping the Pole in the third.
‘KO Doctor’ Dorticos claimed a unanimous decision over Mateusz Masternak and a tenth round stoppage against Andrew Tabiti to reach the final.
The duo competed in the first WBSS season with former WBA ‘Regular’ titlist, Dorticos falling to a final round knockout against Murat Gassiev, whilst Briedis was beaten by eventual winner Oleksandr Usyk on a majority decision.
Briedis, 35, is excited about the prospect of facing the big-punching 34-year-old in Munich, which will serve as a reminder of his days training with Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko out in Germany.
“We are very happy about the announcement of the final,” Briedis said.
“I love the fact that it will be in Munich as it reminds me of every time I went to train with the Klitschko brothers in Germany and the flights were always via Munich.
“Those are some great memories of the time spent with them there!”
Miami-based Cuban, Dorticos admits he is confident of returning to the USA with his title and becoming just the second man to beat Briedis, with the victor joining prestigious company with the likes of Josh Taylor, Naoya Inoue, Callum Smith and the aforementioned Usyk, in claiming the Ali Trophy.
“To all my fans worldwide, in Europe and especially in Munich, Germany: I am super happy the World Boxing Super Series final will take place in Munich, Germany, and I will see you all on Saturday, September 26th.
“The KO Doctor is back and ready to prescribe another dose of pain and take the Muhammad Ali Trophy back to Miami!”
Kalle Sauerland, Chief Boxing Officer of the WBSS, said: “On 26 September we will not only crown the best cruiserweight on the planet but also send a sign to the world that boxing is back with the first major transatlantic Championship bout between the undisputed number one and two in their division.
“The final is not only about honour and glory, but cementing a legacy.
“The winner will become a member of an exclusive ‘Ali Trophy Winner Club’ that includes Aleksandr Usyk, Callum Smith, Naoya Inoue, and Josh Taylor. It doesn’t get much bigger in boxing, and we expect Briedis and Dorticos to have an absolute barnstormer!”
