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: I Have To Defend My Belts To Get The Latvian Flag Raised After The Fight
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.