Mairis Briedis vs Noel Gevor Fight Preview!
On November 10, Mairis Briedis and Noel Gevor fight for advancement into the World Boxing Super Series tournament. The cruiserweight clash will take place at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois. DAZN will broadcast the event beginning at 7:00 pm (EST).
Thus far, the WBSS tournament has delivered in a big way. Season one’s cruiserweight portion saw Oleksandr Usyk become the undisputed champion of the division; a rarity in the sport. Its corresponding super-middleweight edition, provided Callum Smith the opportunity to legitimize himself as a top fighter and world champion. Season two brings three weight-divisions into the spotlight and fans are enjoying all the action.
Mairis Briedis (24-1, 18KOs)
The former WBC champion is back with hopes of winning it all this time. Briedis competed in the first tournament but lost in the semi-finals when he battled Oleksandr Usyk. As both fighters sought to employ their game plan, the entertaining scrap played out like a strategic chess match. Ultimately, the Ukrainian’s movement, angles, and punch output would give him the edge in the contest.
Albeit a loss, he performed better against Usyk than any other opponent in the tournament.
To many fans, the Latvian fighters boxing knowledge and heavy-hands make him an instant favorite to win season two’s tournament. He holds career wins over Mike Perez, Marco Huck, and Olanrewaju Durodola all of which were top cruiserweight contenders. Moreover, his experience serves to play a contributing factor throughout his time in this tournament.
In his last fight, Briedis took on French challenger Brandon Deslaurier (11-2-1, 1KO). The over-matched and undersized Frenchmen fought primarily to survive as the former champion pressured him to the ropes and unleashed combinations. The one-sided affair ended with Briedis winning the contest by unanimous decision.
Going into Saturday’s fight, I fully expect to see a reinvigorated Briedis. The competition isn’t as stiff, but that’s all the more reason he should win the tournament and outperform expectations. Who knows, revenge against Oleksandr Usyk could be in the future if he stays at cruiserweight.
Advice to Briedis:
Box! Be yourself, and everything should flow smoothly.
Noel Gevor (23-1, 10KOs)
The 28 year-old German is relatively unknown outside of his home country. He enters the tournament, however, with the opportunity to change that and become a player in the division. While no one would accuse Gevor of being a big puncher, his boxing fundamentals are solid and make him tough.
Since losing to Krzysztof Wlodarczyk in May 2017, Gevor returned to Germany and successfully out-boxed Isaiah Thomas. Additionally, if having Briedis as an opponent wasn’t enough, Gevor will also be making his America debut.
Advice to Gevor:
Take the fight one round at a time and establish a body attack on the favorite.
Outcome:
Briedis wins by knockout. His experience will be too much for Gevor.
By: Cessell Robinson
