‘The Most Difficult 12 Rounds I’ve Had in My Career’: Recalling Oleksandr Usyk’s Battle Against Mairis Briedis

Oleksandr Usyk and Mairis Briedis clashed on January 27, 2018, at the Arēna Rīga, Riga, Latvia, for the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles while looking for a place in the world boxing Super Series final. The Ukrainian star did enough to win by majority decision, with the judges scorecards reading 114-114, with the remaining two cards reading 115-113 in favour of Usyk. Big Fight Weekend are taking you back to a fight Usyk described as “the most difficult 12 rounds I’ve had in my career.”

Oleksandr Usyk Defeats Mairis Briedis by Majority Decision

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Mairis Briedis Recap

The opening rounds were closely contested and difficult to score – but Usyk‘s workrate ensured he controlled the fight after that, with his excellent movement and highly effective jab contributing to his performance. The power punches from Briedis kept the Ukrainian honest throughout and affected Usyk. The Ukrainian sustained a cut over his right eye from an accidental clash of heads in round three.

Despite the cut, Usyk kept his work rate high and showcased his impressive shot selection while taking the heavy shots from his Latvian opponent. Despite one judge scoring it a draw and Usyk admitting it was the toughest fight of his career, the Ukrainian was the deserved winner and showed his class again.

What Came Next?

Following the win over Briedis, Usyk faced Murat Gassiev in the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight final, with all four belts at cruiserweight up for grabs. The Ukrainian did what he does best and utilised his brilliant jab to help take control of the fight. Usyk dominated the final, and Gassiev barely landed anything of note due to the excellence of the Ukrainian, who won by unanimous decision, with the judge’s scorecards reading 120–108, 119–109 x2.

After the win against Gassiev, Usyk defeated Tony Bellew before embarking on his heavyweight journey, which has led us to the undisputed fight on May 18 between Usyk and Tyson Fury.