Mairis Briedis (28-1, 20 KOS) defended his IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Titles last night at the Arena Riga in Latvia with a spectacular third-round TKO win over German challenger Artur Mann (17-2, 9 KOS).
 
The Latvian boxing star was fighting for the first time since capturing the coveted Muhammad Ali Trophy in the final of the World Boxing Super Series tournament against former WBA and IBF World Champion Yuniel Dorticos.
 
The 36-year-old from Riga was cheered into the ring by his passionate home support who were in attendance to see the three-time world ruler win his fifth major world title fight and claim his twentieth career knockout.
 
Mann looked to meet Briedis in the centre of the ring but was outboxed by the champion who sent the former WBO International title holder to the canvas once in the second round and twice in the third before the referee called a halt to the action.
 
“Thank you to all the fans who came to support me. You are fantastic,” said Briedis after the bout. “My opponent was not easy. We prepared very well for this fight and invested a lot of time and work. I am happy to defend my titles and I look forward to collecting more belts soon.”
 
“That was a great performance by Mairis,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland. “Tonight, he showed once again why he is the man to beat at 200lbs. There are a lot of big fights out there for him. A unification with Lawrence Okolie, a mandatory defence against Jai Opetaia or a move up to Heavyweight. Mairis has already proven he is the number one in the division and now it’s about securing legacy defining fights. 2022 is going to be a massive year for him.”
 
British boxer Harlem Eubank made his promotional debut for Wasserman Boxing on the undercard in Riga. The 27-year-old Super Lightweight from Brighton, who is the cousin of Wasserman stablemate Chris Eubank Jr, moves to 12-0 following a stoppage victory over Nika Nakashidze.

Mairis Briedis (27-1, 19 KOs) and Artur Mann (17-1, 9 KOs) both made weight today ahead of their IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Title showdown tomorrow night at the Arena Riga in Latvia.
 
Briedis returns to his hometown arena for the first time in over two years to defend the belts he claimed when defeating Yuniel Dorticos in the final of the World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight tournament in September 2020.
 
The 36-year-old will face a tough test against German challenger Mann, the IBF #6 and former WBO International Champion, who will be looking to dethrone the Latvian boxing king and take his place at the top of the 200lbs division.  
 
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.

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 everyon 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.”
 
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.

Mairis Briedis (27-1, 19 KOs) and Artur Mann (17-1, 9 KOs) both looked in incredible shape as they performed media workouts today ahead of their IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Title showdown on Saturday night. 

Briedis returns to the ring for the first time following his spectacular win over Yuniel Dorticos in the final of the World Boxing Super Series in September 2020, and the Latvian star can expect a tough test as he defends his belts against the former World Title challenger Mann from Germany.

With only days to go until their hotly-anticipated World Title contest, both men spoke to the media after an open training session in the Latvian capital. 

“I’m feeling good. My training has gone well and I’m looking forward to the fight,” said Briedis. “It’s going to be a special feeling walking out in front of my supporters at the Arena Riga again. I’m not expecting an easy fight. I know Artur Mann is a dangerous boxer. I will need to be at my best to beat him but I have trained hard and I am ready to defend my titles.”

“My training is over and I’m ready to fight,” said Mann. “I have been dreaming of this opportunity for a long time. Briedis is a very experienced boxer. I know it will be a tough fight but I am focused on what I need to do. This will be my biggest fight but I believe I can win. I am well trained and and I am ready.”

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.

Mairis Briedis (27-1, 19 KOs) has all the motivation he needs ahead of his IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Title defence against German challenger Artur Mann (17-1, 9 KOs) on October 16 at the Arena Riga.
 
The Latvian boxing star returns to action following his spectacular victory over Yuniel Dorticos in the final of the World Boxing Super Series and is looking forward to boxing in front of his home fans again having been forced to fight his last contest behind closed doors due to Covid restrictions.
 
“I’m very happy to be able to have my people behind me again,” says Briedis. “I know there will be people from all over Latvia coming to support me and to enjoy another exciting night of boxing from the stands at Arena Riga.”
 
The three-time World Champion has put Latvia on the boxing map. Having claimed world honours for the first time in 2017, the 36-year-old has gone on to hold IBF, WBO, WBC and Ring Magazine World Titles at 200lbs, and is currently considered to be the number one Cruiserweight on the planet.
 
Ahead of his hotly-anticipated fight with Mann, Brieids has revealed his pride at representing his country and admits his motivation comes from seeing the Latvian flag raised after he wins.
 
“I’m proud to represent Latvia and to fight for my people,” he says. “I always go out to do my best and I never take any shortcuts in training. That’s because I know I have to defend my belts to get the Latvian flag raised after the fight.”
 
There has been talk of Briedis facing British boxer Lawrence Okolie next in a mouth-watering Cruiserweight unification bout or moving up in weight where he could meet former foe Oleksandr Usyk in a huge Heavyweight rematch.
 
Despite the speculation, the Latvian champion insists he is fully focused on his upcoming fight and is not underestimating the challenge posed by the former WBO International Champion and IBO World Title Challenger Mann.
 
“I have never overlooked any of my opponents,” he says. “My experience from my younger days has proven this doesn’t end well. I always remember it up to this day and I have the utmost respect for every opponent. This is boxing and Mann is not an easy opponent. My team has done the homework of analysing him and we know he’s not an easy guy to face.”
 
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.

Artur Mann (17-1, 9 KOs) insists he will not be intimidated by Mairis Briedis’ (27-1, 19 KOs) fervent home support as he looks to dethrone the Latvian boxing king on October 16 and bring the IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Titles back to Germany.
 
Briedis has turned the Arena Riga into his hometown fortress with thousands of Latvian fans filling the ice hockey stadium each time he fights. Like Briedis’ previous opponents, Mann can expect a cold reception when he enters the ring, but despite being away from home and up against the world’s number one Cruiserweight, the former WBO International Champion and IBO World Title Challenger is confident of upsetting the local hero and bringing home the belts. 
 
“It’s really exciting to know that there are going to be thousands of people in the arena to watch the fight,” says Mann. “It doesn’t matter if they are going to be booing me. Anyone who has ever stood in the ring knows that after the bell rings there is nothing except you and the fighter in front of you. It doesn’t matter where I’m fighting. I just concentrate on myself and my game plan.
 
“I do this for myself and my beliefs, not for belts, not for money. I do this to prove to myself and to my five-year-old son that I can achieve anything. I learnt a lot from my World Title fight with Kevin Lerena and now I’m 100% pumped and ready to show the world what I can do on October 16.”
 
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.

Artur Mann’s (17-1, 9 KOs) coach Vitali Boot believes his fighter has the power to hurt Mairis Briedis (27-1, 19 KOs) when they meet for the IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Titles on October 16 at the Arena Riga in Latvia.
 
Mann, the former WBO International Champion and IBO World Cruiserweight Title challenger, travels to Riga to take on reigning world champion Brieids in his hometown following an explosive KO victory over Rad Rashid. 
 
Helping the challenger prepare is long-time coach and mentor Boot, a seven-time German national Super Heavyweight champion and 2001 World Amateur Championship bronze medallist, who now trains fighters out of the Olympic Headquarters in Hannover, Germany.
 
“Artur has the power to hurt Briedis,” says Boot. “Any boxer who is almost 100kg has the power to hurt his opponent and Briedis is only human so yes, I believe Artur can hurt him.
 
“He will need to be highly concentrated during the whole fight, stick to the game plan and keep ahead of the situation even when under pressure.
 
“He won’t be concerned about fighting away from home or having the fans against him. He has had that over and over again in his career so this is not new for him.
 
“Artur’s greatest strength is his technical ability. He’s like a sponge, you show him something new and he can implement it in his work in a split second.
 
“I have been training Artur more or less since he started boxing. This is a big opportunity for him and one I believe he will take. On October 16, we will see a new world champion.”
 
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. 

Mairis Briedis (27-1, 19 KOs) and Artur Mann (17-1, 9 KOs) came face-to-face for the first time today at the Porsche Center Riga for a kick-off press conference ahead of their IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Title clash on October 16 at the Arena Riga in Latvia. 

Briedis has turned the Arena Riga into a hometown fortress with unforgettable nights against Mike Perez, Oleksandr Usyk and Krzysztof Glowacki in recent years. The 36-year-old will now return for the first time since his June 2019 victory over Glowacki to defend the belts he claimed when defeating Yuniel Dorticos in the final of the World Boxing Super Series in September 2020 to establish himself as the number one Cruiserweight on the planet.

“Of course, it will be a great pleasure to return to the Arena Riga to defend my IBF and Ring Magazine Titles in front of my Latvian fans,” said Briedis. “My opponent Artur Mann is an experienced and unpredictable boxer. I have watched many of his fights and each one has been different. In Arena Riga, we will see real boxing, not old masters like Holyfield or YouTubers. I hope people who love boxing will come to the show to witness a real fight.”

Artur Mann, the former WBO International Champion and IBO World Cruiserweight Title challenger, appeared in a confident mood insisting all the pressure was on his opponent ahead of their hotly anticipated World Title fight.

“I’m very excited to get this opportunity to fight Mairis Briedis for his World Titles,” said Mann. “I would like thank Kalle Sauerland and Wasserman Boxing for making this fight. This is not a new situation for me. I know the game and I have fought all over the globe. When the bell rings, I will be ready. It doesn’t matter how many people are in the arena supporting Briedis. There is no pressure on me. All the pressure is on him. I’ve got nothing to lose.”

Promoter Kalle Sauerland said he is delighted to be returning to Riga and is looking forward to soaking up the ‘red-hot atmosphere’ on October 16. 

“Viva Las Rigas,” exclaimed Sauerland. “We’ve had some fantastic nights at the Arena Riga with Mairis Briedis and we’re delighted to be back with another big event. Mairis has put Riga on the boxing map. It is now known all over the world as a place with a red-hot boxing atmosphere. On October 16, we have another massive event. The absolute number one Cruiserweight in the division against the number six in the world – a young, hungry German challenger, who I’m sure will be looking to take his chance. But Mairis is focused and he intends to prove that Latvia still has the number one Cruiserweight boxer in the world.”

Tickets for the IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Championship contest between Mairis Briedis and Artur Mann start from €29 and are on sale now and available to purchase via https://www.bilesuserviss.lv. 

Mairis Briedis (27-1, 19 KOs) returns to the Arena Riga in Latvia on October 16 to defend his IBF World Cruiserweight Title against former World Title challenger Artur Mann (17-1, 9 KOs).
 
The Latvian boxing star cemented his position as the number one Cruiserweight in world when defeating Yuniel Dorticos in the final of the World Boxing Super Series in September 2020. A fight that saw the 36-year-old claim both the IBF World Title and the prestigious Ring Magazine belt as well as the iconic Muhmmad Ali Trophy.
 
Briedis, who is now a three-time world champion having previously held WBC and WBO World Titles and considered one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, will get the chance to return to his hometown arena and box in front of his passionate supporters for the first time since his third-round stoppage win over Krzysztof Glowacki in June 2019.
 
However, Briedis, who was named ‘Rigan of the Year’ for 2020, can expect a tough challenge when he makes the first defence of his IBF belt against Germany’s Artur Mann, a former WBO International Champion and IBO World Cruiserweight Title challenger.
 
Mann defeated countryman Leon Harth to capture the WBO International Title in July 2017 and remained undefeated until he travelled to South Africa to challenge Kevin Lerena for the IBO World Title in March 2019. Since his sole defeat, the 30-year-old ‘Thunderman’ from Hannover has recorded back-to-back wins to set up a World Title showdown with Briedis.
 
“It’s crazy to think it has been over two years since I last fought in Riga,” said Briedis. “I think I have already forgotten that fantastic feeling that Latvian boxing fans deliver each time and I can’t wait to step in the ring again in front of my home crowd. It will also be a special night for me as it will be my first IBF Title defence and I’m happy I will be able to do it at the Arena Riga.
 
“My opponent Artur Mann is a very experienced boxer who was previously part of the Sauerland stable which is already a quality measurement for him as there are no weak boxers invited to join that group. He is a very technical boxer coming from the Kazakh boxing school that is considered by many to be one of the best in the world.
 
“Together with my team, we are taking this fight very seriously. Defending a World Championship belt doesn’t allow you to do anything less. We have already started our preparations and will do everything to be ready for the fight.”
 
“I’m very happy to fight for the IBF title against Mairis Briedis, the number one Cruiserweight in the world,” said Mann. “I want to thank my manager Daniel Todorovic and the whole O1NE Sport Crew, and of course, Kalle Sauerland and Wasserman Boxing for this great opportunity. I’m pumped and ready for Riga!
 
“I have a lot of respect for Mairis Briedis and his achievements but I don’t feel any pressure. Prior to my fight against Kevin Lerena, I felt a lot of pressure because a lot of things didn’t work out as they were supposed to, but this time, I’m super relaxed. All the pressure is on Mairis because he’s the world champ and he’s fighting at home in front of his people, which doesn’t always turn out to be an advantage. He’s got everything to lose and I’ve got everything to win!”
 
“We’re delighted to be promoting our first event with Mairis Briedis, one of boxing’s pound-for-pound stars, at the Arena Riga under the Wasserman Boxing banner,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland. “We would like to thank the IBF for their support. Mairis was due to fight a mandatory challenger but after negotiations broke down we have applied for special exception to make this fight possible.
 
“I’ve been lucky enough to witness Mairis fighting in Riga before and the atmosphere is incredible. I can’t wait to hear the noise when he steps into the ring on October 16. Coming to spoil the party is Artur Mann. A tough German contender looking to dethrone Latvia’s boxing king. This is an event you don’t want to miss. Get ready for the Rumble In Riga!”
 
Tickets for the IBF World Cruiserweight Championship contest between Mairis Briedis and Artur Mann go on sale tomorrow at 12:00 (EEST). Tickets start from €29 and are available to purchase via https://www.bilesuserviss.lv. 

Kevin Lerena (21-1, 9 KOs) says he is fully focused on Artur Mann (15-0, 8 KOs) as ‘The KO Kid’ puts his IBO World Cruiserweight title on the line against the German challenger on Saturday at the Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.

Lerena claimed the IBO strap with a split decision over Youri Kayembre Kalenga in September 2017, before successfully defending his belt with unanimous points wins against Dmytro Kucher and Roman Golovashchenko.

Heading into his third defence, the 26 year-old insists he is leaving nothing to chance, and admits he has even been waking up thinking about his opponent.

“I know everybody is talking about Oleksandr Usyk moving up to heavyweight, and what’s going to happen to his belts, but to be honest, I don’t really care,” said Lerena. “My only focus is this fight. I wake up and think of Artur Mann.

“I know I need to take care of business against him. He’s 15-0, he’s coming off a very credible record, and he has my full attention. This is a big fight for me. Yes, on paper, I’ve had big fights before, Kalenga, Kucher, Golovashchenko, Nielsen, but these are in the past, and I need to focus on what’s in front of me.

“I’m war ready! I know he’s going to bring it, and I’m going to bring it too. I’ve never been a guy to cherry pick opponents. I want tough fights because I believe I elevate myself the harder the fight, and I enjoy the challenge.”

Lerena’s coach Peter Smith, of Smith’s Gym, echoes his fighter’s sentiments, and states they will not be taking the Hannover-boxer lightly.

“This is a serious fight for us,” he says. “We’re not overlooking Artur Mann in anyway. Artur is a serious opponent with a great team behind him. We’re taking this fight very seriously, and looking forward to a great battle!”

Lerena-Mann is a co-promotion between Team Sauerland and South Africa’s premier promoter Golden Gloves, led by Rodney Berman, who describes Saturday’s match-up as one of the country’s ‘biggest cruiserweight fights ever’.

“This has got to be one of the biggest cruiserweight fights ever in South Africa,” said Berman. “It’s common knowledge that Usyk is going to be moving up, so now every other cruiserweight is fighting for their place in the sun, and Kevin will be the only remaining World Champion when he gives up the belts.”

German boxing fans can watch all the action from the Emperors Palace live on Sport1, with Timo Schwarzkopf and Xhek Paskali fighting on the undercard.

Artur ‘Thunder’ Mann (15-0, 8 KOs) has arrived in South Africa ready to realise his World title dream as he challenges Kevin Lerena (21-1, 9 KOs) for the IBO Cruiserweight crown on Saturday at the Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.

The 28 year-old Hannover-hotshot is full of confidence as he enters his first World title contest following convincing wins over teak-tough Russian Alexey Zubov and the previously undefeated Alexander Peil in his last two bouts.

Having added legendary Cuban coach Pedro Diaz to his training team, Mann believes everything is in place for a memorable victory as he goes behind enemy lines in an attempt to dethrone the Johannesburg-native.

“First of all, I would like to thank my promoter Team Sauerland, and Golden Gloves, for this great opportunity,” said Mann. “My dream has always been to box for World titles, but I never thought it would happen so quickly.

“I’m excited and extremely motivated to challenge Kevin Lerena for the IBO belt here in South Africa. I know Lerena is a tough opponent, but there are no easy fights at this level, and I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I could win.

“Lerena is a World Champion and deserves the utmost respect. He’s currently among the top five cruiserweights in the world, a position you have to earn. However, I believe I’m the more complete fighter, and I will give everything in the ring to prove I’m the better man, and to bring the belt back to Germany.”

On the addition of Diaz, whose current stable includes former unified featherweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux, IBF Super Lightweight King Ivan Baranchyk and fast-rising heavyweight star Filip Hrgovic, Mann states:

“Pedro works meticulously. With him, a lot of the emphasis is placed on our physical fitness and getting the right technique, but above all, it’s on the tactics. He analyses each of his fighters and their opponents in great detail, and that amount of detail can make all the difference at World level.”

The IBO World Cruiserweight title showdown between Kevin Lerena and Artur Mann is a co-promotion between Team Sauerland and Golden Gloves. German boxing fans can watch all the action from the Emperors Palace live on Sport1.

Artur Mann (15-0, 8 KOs) challenges Kevin Lerena (21-1, 9 KOs) for the IBO World Cruiserweight title on March 16 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Mann, undefeated in fifteen professional contest, lands this dream World title shot following a unanimous points win over Alexey Zubov in Chicago, and is full of confidence as he travels to South Africa in search of World glory.

“This is the moment I’ve been working my whole life for,” says Mann. “Who would have thought a year ago that today we would be preparing for an IBO World title fight in Johannesburg. I can’t thank my promoter Team Sauerland and the Sauerland family enough that this dream could be realized so quickly. Thanks also to my management Daniel Todorovic and Marius Schulze.

“This is a huge opportunity, and one I will not miss. Kevin Lerena will certainly have a home advantage as the reigning champion and local hero, but I like a challenge, and I’m convinced I will bring the IBO belt home to Germany.”

Lerena claimed the IBO strap with a split decision win over Youri Kayembre Kalenga on September 9, 2017, and has since recorded two successful defences against Ukraine’s Dmytro Kucher and Roman Golovashchenko.

“I’m excited to be back in the square jungle against such a formidable opponent as Artur Mann,” he said. “The public can look forward to a fan friendly fight with no quarter asked or given. Whilst I respect Mann’s record, only one hand will be raised in victory – AND STILL – This is the year of Kevin Lerena !”

“Kevin Lerena vs. Artur Mann for the IBO Cruiserweight title at the Emperors Palace – an evenly matched and mouth watering fight between two outstanding boxers,” said Rodney Berman, for Golden Gloves. “Both can ill afford a loss at this stage of their careers with the cruiserweight division enjoying such popularity, which is in no small measure due to the World Boxing Super Series.

“We look forward to staging this main event in association with Team Sauerland with whom we have always enjoyed an excellent relationship.”

“We’re delighted to be working with Rodney Berman and Golden Gloves to deliver this spectacular cruiserweight Wold title showdown,” said Nisse Sauerland, for Team Sauerland. “This is a fantastic opportunity for Artur and one he must seize with both hands. I’m expecting a fan friendly contest, with both men leaving it all on the line. Germany is due a World Champion, and now Artur has the chance to write his name in the history books.