Former cruiserweight world champion Mairis Briedis is hanging up the gloves after 15 years in the business

Three-time cruiserweight world champion, Mairis Briedis, has announced his retirement from boxing.

This 39-year-old woman will celebrate her 40th birthday^th birthday next January, brings the curtain down on a professional career that began in his native Latvia on October 11, 2009. His four-round win over Raulis Racilauskas began a 15-year professional career that ended with a loss to Jai Opetaia in 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. First, because the road I have traveled over the years has been filled with many unforgettable moments and joyous victories, it has made me the person I am today and allowed me to pursue new goals and achievements.

“With a big thank you to everyone who has supported or encouraged me at some point, or followed my journey, I would like to thank and officially announce the end of my professional career.”

Twenty-eight wins, three losses, 20 middleweights, eight world title fights (five wins) and three-time cruiserweight world champion. It's a job to look back on with love and pride.

Briedis may have been an eccentric character – never mind his pursuit of a money maker against Jake Paul – but the Lativan legend can fight. And it wasn't until Tyson Fury pushed Oleksandr Usyk all the way in their untitled heavyweight fight three months ago that it was Briedis who gave the Ukrainian magician the toughest night of his career when they met in Riga nearly seven years ago. Their unification fight was not only one of the best fights of 2018 but one of the best cruiserweight fights ever.

Having lost to Usyk in the World Boxing Super Series semi-final, Briedis was able to improve in 2020 by defeating Yuriel Dorticos in the final to add the Muhammad Ali Trophy to his trophy cabinet.

But on May 18 this year Brieidis would have his last dance in Saudi Arabia against Opetaia in their brutal clash in July 2022 which Australia won on points. For the second time Briedis showed the heart and offensive pressure we are used to by fighting back in the second half of the fight to push the number one cruiserweight again.

Former organizer Kalle Sauerland said on social media, “We completely understand your decision. At the same time I am blessed to have had this wonderful experience together. The highs, the lows, the highs – of course we will never forget winning the World Boxing Super Series but also the memorable journey together. So many happy memories.”

Thank you for letting me into your camp Mairis. It was an experience that helped me grow into the fighter that I am and continue to be. It was an honor.

A top class champion with an excellent record.

All the best for the future 🙌🙌

— Chris Billam-Smith (@ChrisBillam) August 19, 2024

Debate News I would like to wish Mairis Briedis a happy retirement.