Briedis, undefeated in 20 fights and one of the most feared competitors at 200 pounds, warms up for a possible shot at Tony Bellew on the current champion’s Echo Arena undercard next month.
Bellew battles American BJ Flores in the first defence of his green and gold strap and Briedis will be hoping to impress the crowd before sealing his own shot at ‘The Bomber’ early next year.
The 31 year-old Latvian has stopped 17 of his opponents so far and claimed his title chance with an impressive ninth-round win over Olanrewaju Durodola on home soil in Riga last May.
For Vallily, the bout represents a massive step-up for the 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medalist, having only fought nine times as a pro in three and half years without the vest.
Without any real names of his record to speak of, the Middlesbrough man, also 31, has plenty to prove but could put himself right in the mix for a title shot in 2017 should he be able to pull off a shock.
The bill for Bellew’s big night at the Dockland’s is taking shape following the announcement last week that Derry Mathews will battle Luke Campbell in a mouth-watering lightweight contest.
