January 27, 2018 Oleksandr Usyk vs Mairis Briedis at Arena Riga Latvia for the following titles: WBC World Cruiserweight Title and WBO World Cruiserweight Title
Oleksandr Usyk uses his long jabs, and effective counter punching, Briedis had his moments landing hard shots but Usyk was able to take them actually both of them was able to handle each other punching power.
It is a very competitive figth when you thin the other boxer is fading suddenly they land hard shots get them back in fight, overall its a very competitive fight.
But Oleksander Usyk was able to outland Briedis, Usyk also showed better defense there are many instances where after Briedis landing his shots Usyk right hand was always there to counter him.
Fight stats showed that Usyk thrown 848 punches While Briedis have thown 579 punches, Usyk landed 212 while Briedis landed 195 total punches. Crowd boos when Usyk was annouced the winner but I think Usyk have done enough to get the win.
Usyk also admitted in the post fight interview that this is the most difficult fight in his boxing career
Judges Scores:
Robin Taylor 115-113
Craig Metcalfe 114-114
Robert Tapper 115-113
Whats Next for Oleksandr Usyk?
Usyk is now advancing for the finals of World Boxing Super Series – cruiserweight division and he will be facing the winner of Murat Gassiev vs Yunier Dorticos