Mairis Briedis to defend Ring and IBF cruiserweight titles against Jai Opetaia

Mairis Briedis (28-1, 20 KOs) will protect his IBF and Ring Magazine Globe Cruiserweight Titles in opposition to undefeated obligatory challenger Jai Opetaia (21-, 17 KOs) on Wednesday May well 11 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia.

Briedis captured the IBF and Ring Magazine Globe Titles when defeating Yuniel Dorticos in the ultimate of the Globe Boxing Super Collection in September 2020, getting to be a three-time Planet Winner, and cementing his situation as a pound-for-pound star and the range one Cruiserweight on the planet.

Next a prosperous defence of his belts in opposition to German challenger Artur Mann in Riga in Oct 2021, the 37-year-aged will now vacation down under to experience rapid-increasing Australian star Opetaia on his household turf. The combat was initially scheduled for April 6 but was pushed back again right after Briedis contracted Covid.

“I search forward to coming to Australia to defend my Planet Titles,” explained Briedis. “I know my opponent is a great boxer. He is a southpaw who is undefeated and who has experienced a very first rate newbie job. As often, I will give my all in teaching camp and I will appear to Australia to clearly show my most effective boxing. I hope me and Jai can place on a excellent boxing spectacle for the lovers.”

Sydney-born southpaw Optetai is a decorated beginner, who gained a bronze medal at the 2012 Youth Globe Championships and represented Australia at the 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Video games. Adhering to his newbie accomplishment, the 26-12 months-previous built his expert debut in 2015 and has gained his shot at Briedis’ Cruiserweight crown with an outstanding operate of 21 victories.

“It’s a desire appear legitimate to get a shot at the Planet Title and on best of that it is going on ideal right here on the Gold Coastline which is brilliant,” stated Opetaia. “I’m a resident in Surfers Paradise so you can not get any more Gold Coast than that. This is my opportunity to announce myself to the globe. I want to bring house one more Planet Title to Queensland just like Jeff Horn did.”

The battle, which will be promoted by Dean Lonergan for D and L Gatherings in affiliation with Wasserman Boxing, will be the to start with Planet Title bout to be held in Australia due to the fact Jeff Horn defended his crown versus Gary Corcoran just over five a long time back in Brisbane.

“This will be a wonderful celebration and I applaud Tourism Activities Queensland, Big Events Gold Coastline and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate for throwing their assistance powering what will be a incredibly specific celebration,” stated Lonergan.

“We don’t forget that struggle (Horn-Corcoran) and also that incredible working day when ‘The Hornet’ defeated Manny Pacquiao to gain the Entire world Title at Suncorp Stadium in 2017.

“Now we are finding proper driving Jai to reach his desire and convey dwelling one more Planet Title to Queensland and on his own turf on the Gold Coastline.”

Inspite of his Australian counterpart’s optimism, Briedis’ promoter Kalle Sauerland is assured the champion will be returning to Latvia with the belts.

“Mairis Briedis is a three-time Planet Champion who has regularly fought the ideal boxers out there,” mentioned Sauerland. “He’s coming to Australia as Environment Winner and will be leaving as Environment Winner. His knockout electrical power is sensational but also his approach, his prowess and his finishing capabilities. It is time for Mairis to display as soon as once again why he is the amount 1 Cruiserweight on the world.”

This celebration is supported by the Queensland Govt by means of Tourism and Activities Queensland and features on the It’s Reside! In Queensland events calendar.

Push launch courtesy of Wasserman Boxing.