IBF cruiserweight champion Yuniel Dorticos (24-1, 22 KOs) has touched down in Riga, Latvia for the kickoff press conference ahead of the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight Ali Trophy final. Dorticos will be defending his IBF title against Mairis Briedis (26-1, 19 KOs) on March 21st at the Arena Riga. Briedis will enjoy the home advantage. “I’m excited to be here and be welcomed by the people of Latvia once again,” said Dorticos, who entered the tournament as the #2 seed.

 

The Miami-based Cuban surprised the boxing world and the crowd in Riga in June by stopping previously unbeaten Andrew Tabiti in the tenth round of his semi-final, and now he is intent on doing the same against Briedis, the tournament #1 seed. “I’m gonna knock him out,” said Dorticos, nicknamed the "KO Doctor". He said, “I feel great and I can’t wait, come fight night and do what I do. I’m honoured and humbled to be fighting for the Muhammad Ali Trophy, I’m going to dedicate it to his memory by winning it and go down in history.”

 

Mairis Briedis and Yuniel Dorticos will face off tomorrow at the kickoff press conference in Latvia’s capital. Tickets for the Ali Trophy showdown are currently on presale and will go on General Sale at 11am (Riga time) tomorrow (Wednesday, January 22) via bilesuserviss.lv and WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com.