Last Saturday, January 27, in a crowded Arena Riga, in the semi-final of the World Boxing Super Series, Alexander Usik (14-0, 11 KOs) defeated Latvia's representative Myris Briedis (23-1, 18 KOs).

Thus, the Ukrainian defended his WBO World Championship title, won the WBO belt, owned by Briedis, and became the first finalist of the World Boxing Super Series.

The intense fight of the two strongest heavyweights lasted all 12 rounds, after which the judges gave up the victory to Usiku (114: 114, 115: 113, 115: 113).

"These were the hardest 12 rounds in my career that I conducted.

We will draw the appropriate conclusions from this and prepare for the finals, "said Alexander Usik at the post-match conference.

"It was an equal, balanced battle, and the judges from the side saw everything better. For me, this defeat will be a motivation in preparation for the next fights, "- said Myris Breedies.

A week later, in Sochi, rival Alexander in the final confrontation. In the second semifinal, the Russian player Murat Gassiev and Cuban Junier Dorticos.