The date and location is set for two more quarterfinal bouts in the World Boxing Super Series’ second-season cruiserweight tournament.
Former world titlist Mairis Briedis will fight Noel Mikaelian (formerly known as Noel Gevor), and former world titlist Krzysztof Glowacki will square off with Maksim Vlasov in a tournament doubleheader on Nov. 10 (DAZN) at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, it was announced Wednesday.
“I am really looking forward to fighting in Chicago,” Briedis said. “I am happy to be back in the World Boxing Super Series, and I am looking forward to fighting in front of a U.S. crowd. I am sure there will also be a lot of Latvians in the arena to help create a fantastic atmosphere.”
The 33-year-old Briedis (24-1, 18 KOs), who was ousted in the semifinals of the first-season tournament by eventual undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk, is one of the clear favorites to win the second season and take home the Muhammad Ali Trophy that goes to the winner.
Briedis will be fighting in the United States for the second time, but it will be his first appearance since his ninth pro fight in 2013. Germany’s Mikaelian (23-1, 10 KOs), 28, will be fighting in the U.S. for the first time, and he is feeling confident.
“There are only world-class fighters in this tournament, but I believe my ring IQ will give me the edge to win it,” he said.
The card will also feature southpaw Glowacki (30-1, 19 KOs), 32, of Poland, and Vlasov (42-2, 25 KOs), 32, of Russia. Glowacki figures to be the crowd favorite given Chicago’s sizable Polish community.
“The plan is simple: Take it all, give nothing back,” said Glowacki, who lost his world title to Usyk by decision in 2016. “I have been waiting for a long time for my chance, and I am full of power and great energy. I am going to win this tournament and become world champion again.”
Vlasov has reeled off 12 wins in a row since moving up to cruiserweight following a decision loss in 2015 to Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, who went on to win a super middleweight world title.
World Boxing Super Series officials also announced that the junior welterweight quarterfinal between Ivan Baranchyk (18-0, 11 KOs), 25, of Russia, and Anthony Yigit (21-0-1, 7 KOs), 27, of Sweden, which is for a vacant world title, will take place on Oct. 27 (DAZN) at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans.
The fight will serve as the co-feature of the previously scheduled junior welterweight quarterfinal fight between New Orleans native Regis Prograis (22-0, 19 KOs) and former lightweight world titlist Terry Flanagan (33-1, 13 KOs) of England.