Mairis Briedis is again throwing in cheap shots, this time at Oleksandr Ulsyk to dare to celebrate with Ukrainians in a nightclub. Instead of keeping quiet, the Letse veteran decided to teach.
“Has the war already ended that such public celebrations can be held? I have nothing to celebrate at present. As a deputy, I think of my people and train Latvia for free so that our country is strong. For now I see no reason for dancing,” Briedis wrote on X.
Is the war ended that such a public holiday can be held? 🤔
I have nothing to celebrate yet. As a deputy, I think of my people and train Latvia for free to make our country strong. For the time being, I do not see the reason for the dances. pic.twitter.com/jimc9bqxyc– Mairis Briedis (@bedissmairis) August 27, 2025
Briedis still holds on to the loss of 2018
Make no mistake, it’s not about politics. It’s about Riga, 2018, that night, Briedis gave usyk twelve grueling rounds in the WBSS semi-final. Utsyk raised his hand, but even allowed on Dazn: “These are the hardest rounds I have had in my career, and we will work on improving my style.”
It must have been the proudest moment of Briedis. Instead, it became his burden. USYK further became undisputed about crossweight and heavyweight. Briedis faded in the background, and every few months he clung his way into the news by attacking Usyk. It is desperation attracted as duty.
SUMMARY: USYK vs Briedis, Riga 2018
The fight itself was a classic. USYK, then WBO champion, and Briedis, the WBC title holder, clashed in front of a wild Latgian crowd. The opening rounds were cruel – Briedis pushed forward, made uskyk uncomfortable and even hampered some early frames with sharp counters. But Utsyk adapted, turned the pace and worked over.
The judges recorded this 115-113, 115-113 and 114-114. A majority decision, close enough to sting, but clear enough to crown utility. From there, Ulkyk rolls to lift each belt at Cruiserweight. For Briedis it was the peak.
Dance while the world is burning
Here’s what Briedis doesn’t get: Ukrainians do not celebrate war. In spite of that, they celebrated life. In bombed cities, people still dance, sing and smile, because the alternative is despair. Should they all sit in silence? Should they cry all day? Would it bring someone back? Would it stop missiles? No.
They do not need a Latan policeman to tell them when to laugh, dance, sing, cry or cry.
Dance in war is resistance. It says: We are still alive, we will not be broken. This is what USKyk suggested in a nightclub. It wasn’t a shallow party. It was survival.
Briedis must come over himself
But Briedis doesn’t see it that way. He hides behind his deputy badge and acts as he is the voice of moral authority, and in fact he comes just like a bitterly former champion with a stick that captures his back.
Ukrainians do not need his lectures. They will continue to find light in the dark, because that is how they remain human. Meanwhile, Briedis will continue to try to stay relevant by attaching his name to the man who beat him, in the hope that people still remember his best night – a fight he lost.
Last updated on 08/28/2025
