Oleksandr Usyk is just 14 days away from defending his world titles against Tyson Fury, a fight that can be seen live on DAZN Pay-Per-View.
The Ukrainian superstar, one of his era’s best fighters, has enjoyed many highs in his career and as part of the big DAZN fight countdown, we look back at bout 14 when he faced the brilliant Mairis Briedis.
Oleksandr Usyk always knew it was going to be extremely difficult to be crowned undisputed cruiserweight champion when he entered the World Boxing Super Series.
Surrounded by all the best fighters in his division at the time, Usyk was about to embark on a run of fights that would enhance his legacy massively.
Entering the competition as WBO champion, Usyk would have to overcome multiple elite names if he was to prove himself as the world’s best cruiserweight.
After disposing of Marco Huck in the quarter finals, Usyk was set for a major test in the semis as he was pitted against the unbeaten Mairis Briedis.
The heavy-handed Latvian was considered a feared name at cruiserweight, and he would be putting his WBC belt up for grabs against Usyk’s WBO.
From the first bell, the action didn't relent as Usyk was forced to fight at an incredible pace demonstrating that he could handle the heat of a hard battle as well as dominating with skill and accuracy.
Briedis was constantly on the front foot and there were moments where Usyk looked like he was struggling to live with the ferocity of Briedis, who was cheered on by the Riga crowd.
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Both men knew the contest was close going into the latter stages and there was a sense of desperation from both as they were unnecessarily caught with shots as the last bell approached.
Both men were confident they had done enough but it was Usyk who took the decision with a narrow majority verdict that Briedis couldn't agree with.
Usyk would have a much easier time in the final as he dominated Murat Gassiev to win the whole tournament, but even to this day, Briedis remains the fighter who has provided Usyk with perhaps his hardest test.
Watch Usyk vs. Fury 2 on DAZN PPV - Buy Now
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 and the full undercard will be broadcast live on DAZN Pay-Per-View worldwide in over 200 countries.
You can buy the PPV right now for £24.99 in the UK / $39.95 in the US, which comes with a seven day free trial of DAZN.
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