Boxing
WBSS cruiserweight final canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic
Like every other boxing event, the World Boxing Super Series is feeling the wrath of the coronavirus pandemic as well.
On Wednesday, the WBSS announced its cruiserweight final between Yuniel Dorticos and Mairis Briedis, scheduled for May 16 in Riga, Latvia, has been canceled due to the country's state of emergency and restrictions in effect triggered by COVID-19.
"WBSS is monitoring the developing COVID-19 situation," the WBSS said in a press release. "Under the current circumstances, a feasible date for the WBSS Cruiserweight final between Mairis Briedis and Yuniel Dorticos is out of reach.
"Our top priority is to protect the health and safety of the boxers, fans, officials, and staff involved in the World Boxing Super Series. WBSS will inform further as the situation develops."
The Dorticos-Briedis matchup was supposed to be a fight to determine the best cruiserweight in the world.
Dorticos (24-1, 22 KOs) advanced by defeating Mateusz Masternak via unanimous decision in October 2018, then scoring a second-round knockout over Andrew Tabiti in June to win the vacant IBF cruiserweight belt.
Briedis (26-1, 19 KOs) secured his spot for a chance to win the Muhammad Ali Trophy by beating Noel Gevor by unanimous decision in November 2018 and then blasting Krzysztof Glowacki in three rounds on the same card Dorticos routed Tabiti.
