THREE-TIME world cruiserweight champion Mairis Briedis has announced his retirement from boxing.
The 39-year-old, who will celebrate his 40th birthday next January, brings the curtain down on a professional career which began in his native Latvia on October 11, 2009. His four-round points win against Raulis Racilauskas kicked off a 15-year professional career which culminated in defeat against Jai Opetaia on May 18, 2024.
In a statement published on social media, Briedis said: “I want to share a decision that was not easy for me to make. Firstly, because the road that I have travelled over the years has been filled with so many unforgettable moments and joys of victory, it has made me the person I am today and has allowed me to pursue new goals and achievements.
“With the deepest gratitude to every person who has supported me or motivated me at some point, or simply followed my journey, I would like to say thank you and officially announce the end of my professional career.”
Twenty-eight wins, three defeats, 20 inside the distance, eight world title fights (five wins) and a three-time world cruiserweight champion. It is a career to look back on fondly and with pride.
Briedis may have been an eccentric character – who could forget his pursuit of a money-maker against Jake Paul – but the Lativan legend could fight. And until Tyson Fury pushed Oleksandr Usyk all the way in their undisputed heavyweight title clash three months ago it was Briedis who had given the Ukrainian wizard the toughest night of his career when they met in Riga nearly seven years ago. Their unification bout was not only one of the best fights of 2018 but one of the finest cruiserweight battles ever to have taken place.
Having lost to Usyk in the World Boxing Super Series semi-final Briedis managed to go one better in 2020 defeating Yuriel Dorticos in the final to add the Muhammad Ali Trophy to his cabinet of accolades.
But on May 18 this year Brieidis was to have his final dance in Saudi Arabia against Opetaia in a rematch of their brutal encounter from July 2022 which the Australian won on points. Second time around Briedis showed the heart and offensive pressure we had become accustomed to by battling back in the second half of the fight to push the world’s number one cruiserweight all the way once again.
Former promoter Kalle Sauerland said on social media, “Totally understand your decision. At the same time I’m blessed to have these wonderful experiences together. The highs, the lows, the highs – of course we’ll never forget winning the World Boxing Super Series but also some memorable trips together. Many, many happy memories.”
Thank you for having me over into your camp Mairis. It was an experience which helped develop me massively into the fighter I am and continue to be. It was an honour.
A superb champion with a superb record.
All the very best for the future 🙌🙌 https://t.co/kspUpeXOd1
— Chris Billam-Smith (@ChrisBillam) August 19, 2024
Boxing News would like to wish Mairis Briedis a happy retirement.