A large part of a seven-month-old World Boxing Super Series prediction by WBN has come true, with a further portion set to be addressed in the near future.
Back on November 21, 2018, it was stated by WBN at least three versions of the world cruiserweight title would be on the line in the WBSS Semi-Finals.
Due to a delay in those match-ups being arranged, it’s taken until early June for things to begin to be sorted out.
Oleksandr Usyk is now firmly up at heavyweight, leaving all his belts up for grabs.
Briedis vs Glowacki
The WBC recently released a statement naming Usyk the ‘Champion in Recess’. They have now put forward Diamond titleholder Mairis Briedis for the vacant championship.
World Boxing Organization chiefs also decided to ratify the WBO version would be on the line for Briedis versus Krzysztof Glowacki.
Poland’s Glowacki was the interim champion, leaving the WBO to hand him the full version immediately.
Briedis v Glowacki is now for both versions of the cruiserweight crown.
This means only the IBF is yet to make a ruling. With the other pairing in the final four ranked at the top by the IBF, it’s highly likely Yunier Dorticos v Andrew Tabiti will be confirmed for Usyk’s old red belt soon.
WBN article (part of – November 21, 2018)
At least three versions of the world cruiserweight titles are expected to enter the World Boxing Super Series early next year.
Ahead of the semi-finals to take place in January and February of 2019, a huge unification is set to open up for the finale.
Oleksandr Usyk cleaned out the division as part of the first 200 pound tournament over the summer. He is on the verge of relinquishing his belts for a run at heavyweight.
This means the WBC, IBF, WBO and WBA straps will be vacated in the coming weeks. Usyk is heading up to mix it with the big boys.
Briedis holds the WBC Diamond belt. Glowacki is in possession of the interim WBO title. Tabiti is also the mandatory challenger for the IBF strap. This trio of fighters are first in line for Usyk’s soon-to-be-available championships.
Briedis v Glowacki would be for the WBC and WBO. With Dorticos v Tabiti contesting the IBF.
Once ratified by the relevant bodies, not only will the coveted Ali Trophy be on the line in the final. But the status of three-belt unified and divisional number one.
LEBEDEV
The WBA version, as usual, is a little more complicated. In a strange move, Denis Lebedev was made ‘Champion in Recess’ by the WBA. An honor which gives the Russian first crack at the title at the earliest opportunity.
Eventually, though, Lebedev should fight ‘Regular’ ruler Beibut Shumenov. This will determine the overall champion.
Comosa AG Head of Boxing Kalle Sauerland recently met with WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman to discuss all things WBSS in Mexico. Handing Briedis his well-earned chance would certainly have been high on the agenda.
