EXCLUSIVE. Mairis Briedis: If Usyk faces Opetaia in cruiserweight, Jay will destroy him

Boxing News 25 jan 2025, 07:39
Volodymyr Varukha Volodymyr Varukha Dailysports's expert
EXCLUSIVE. Mairis Briedis: If Usyk faces Opetaia in cruiserweight, Jay will destroy him Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Exclusive interview with Latvian boxer and former WBC, WBO, and IBF world champion Mairis Briedis for Dailysports.net.

Mairis Briedis has held cruiserweight championship belts under the WBO, WBC, and IBF. Throughout his career, the boxer has faced top opponents like Oleksandr Usyk, Jai Opetaia, and Marco Huck. Thanks to his successful career, Mairis gained global recognition and remains a notable figure in the boxing world.

The 40-year-old legend, with his vast experience and knowledge, is the perfect person to discuss current events in boxing. Mairis Briedis agreed to speak with Dailysports.net and answer our questions.

What's in the interview?

  • What does Mairis think about the current level of cruiserweight boxing?
  • Are there good boxers in the Baltic countries?
  • How does Briedis evaluate Oleksandr Usyk's career?
  • Should Usyk return to cruiserweight?

Who is the best cruiserweight boxer right now

The cruiserweight division currently boasts a strong lineup of boxers, featuring both experienced fighters and promising young talents. The leading stars of the division are Australian Jai Opetaia (IBF and The Ring champion) and Mexican Gilberto Ramirez (WBO and WBA champion). Meanwhile, the WBC title is held by Armenian boxer Noel Mikaelian.

Other notable names include Yuniel Dorticos, Yamil Peralta, and Michal Cieslak, who are considered highly promising by experts.

"I believe the strongest boxer in cruiserweight right now is Jai Opetaia. He moves forward excellently and proves he’s a great fighter. If I were younger, the top-ranked guy would’ve been someone named Mairis [laughs]. After Opetaia, the second-best in cruiserweight is Gilberto Ramirez," said former world champion Mairis Briedis.

In November 2024, Jai Opetaia brutally knocked out New Zealand boxer David Nyika to defend his titles. Afterward, Jai challenged WBA and WBO champion Gilberto Ramirez, declaring, "Ramirez, I’m coming for the belts."

Briedis believes such a fight could be challenging for the Australian.

"I heard there’s going to be a fight. Ramirez is awkward, and if Opetaia fights the way he did in his last bout, it won’t go well for him. But if he moves, he’ll dismantle the Mexican, just like Bivol did," Briedis commented.

Latvian boxing after Briedis

Since Mairis Briedis retired, Latvia has yet to find a worthy successor to the legendary boxer. No fighter from the country has come close to claiming a major championship title. Moreover, among the Baltic States, only Lithuania currently has a full-fledged champion—Eimantas Stanionis, the WBA welterweight world champion.

However, Briedis believes that boxing in Latvia is growing significantly.

"Boxing in Latvia has grown a lot recently, and with every fight, our venues are filling up more. Every third person now wants to train. But it’s important to understand that improper training can harm a student, and I’ve experienced that before. Of course, I share my knowledge, and people need to absorb it as quickly as possible. But ultimately, it depends on the boxer’s desire," added the Latvian.

Supporting the next generation

Many renowned boxers help develop young fighters in their countries, and Mairis Briedis is no exception. He actively assists the youth, sharing his experience, and has ventured into producing nutritional supplements after his career ended.

"I help young athletes, visit schools and clubs, and share my experience. This is not just about training; it’s about the philosophy of life. I explain why sports and education are vital in life," the boxer stated.

Dominance of Oleksandr Usyk

One of Briedis’s opponents during his 15-year professional career was Oleksandr Usyk. Briedis narrowly lost to the Ukrainian, who is the only boxer in history to become the undisputed champion in both cruiserweight and heavyweight. Usyk has defeated all his direct rivals, including Joshua, Fury, and Dubois, and is ranked at the top of many boxing lists.

"Usyk has shown in both cruiserweight and heavyweight that hard work, the right team, and natural talent yield results. I heard Fury was reportedly underprepared for their rematch, so it’s unclear what he planned to rely on. Meanwhile, Usyk prepares five times harder for his fights and gives it his all," said Briedis.

Usyk started his professional career in cruiserweight, achieving success and progressing to the World Series of Boxing. He defeated Huck, Briedis, and Gassiev, becoming the undisputed champion and claiming the coveted trophy.

After moving to heavyweight, many doubted Usyk could compete against larger opponents. However, Usyk proved that nothing is impossible for him.

"In the World Series of Boxing, Usyk already competed in heavyweight and beat everyone. He knew where he was heading and how to prepare. This shows that you can beat bigger guys with speed, strategy, and hard work.

For example, compare it to basketball players. An athlete who’s 2.15 meters tall doesn’t need much effort to dunk, while someone who’s 1.80 meters tall has to work really hard to achieve the same," Briedis explained.

Should Usyk return to cruiserweight?

Recently, rumors have circulated about Oleksandr Usyk potentially returning to cruiserweight to reclaim the world championship. However, Briedis believes this would be a tough challenge.

"If I were Usyk, I’d retire undefeated and avoid returning to cruiserweight. The issue is that he’s gained weight over time. Returning to cruiserweight would require losing it, which is a significant stress on the body," Briedis added.

Usyk remains undefeated, having won against all his opponents, including Joshua, Fury, Dubois, Bellew, and Gassiev. However, if he changes weight classes, he might face a stronger opponent.

"I think if Usyk returns to cruiserweight and fights Jai Opetaia, the Australian will crush him—not just win but destroy him completely. Usyk has spent a long time building his weight and muscle mass, so losing it now would sap his strength. That’s why I’m confident Opetaia would beat Usyk," Mairis Briedis concluded.

Briedis’s own legacy

Mairis Briedis’s career is filled with incredible bouts. His opponents included Yuniel Dorticos, Noel Mikaelian, Oleksandr Usyk, Marco Huck, Manuel Charr, and even Jai Opetaia, to whom Briedis lost twice. However, if he ever returns to the ring, the Latvian only wants to fight the best.

"I’m bold enough to say I only want to box the best fighters. There’s no point in fighting weak opponents. I always strive to be stronger, so if I fight, it’ll be against Usyk or Opetaia," the boxer declared.

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