WBC World Champion Mairis Briedis (22-0, 18 KOs) and Mike Perez (22-2-1, 14 KOs) faced each other at a press conference in Riga ahead of Saturday’s Ali Trophy Quarter-Final clash at Arena Riga, Latvia.

“It is a great honour for me and for Latvia to have such a big fight and tournament in our country,” said Briedis.

“I am looking forward to showing that Latvia is not only a country with singers and dancers, but also some world class boxing. There are some pressure on my shoulders fighting in front of a sold out arena, but I am sure I can handle it.”

Mike Perez: “I am ready to fight, I can’t wait for Saturday night! It will definitely be a good and exiting fight.”

Responding to a rumour forwarded by a Latvian journallist that he struggles to make weight, ‘The Rebel’ said “I am here, what makes you think I am not going to fight! You will have to see at the weigh-in on Friday.”

Shadeed Suluki, Perez trainer:

“Rumour? We have had a very tight camp, so I don’t know where you have got that rumour from. The only guys who have seen Mike on the scales is the team, and I know who is a part of this team. So where ever you got that rumour they told you a lie.”

Kalle Sauerland, Comosa’s Chief Boxing Officer:

“It is lovely to be in Riga - the hunt for the Muhammad Ali Trophy is well underway. We have had a spectacular start, we have been in some great cities, we have seen some great boxing fans and some great boxing and this weekend we are expecting nothing less! We are looking forward to a totally full arena in Riga, the atmosphere will be amazing I am sure. There will be absolute fireworks between Briedis and Perez, we are going to see some tremendous action, a massive night of boxing that has never been seen in Latvia.”

“Saturday’s fight is not just a normal fight. They are fighting for the WBC world title and the WBC Diamond Belt and a spot in the semi-final for the Muhammad Ali Trophy and a hell of a lot money!”

The weigh-in Friday at 5 pm at the Radisson Spa and Conference Hotel in Riga is open to public and there are still a limited number of tickets on sale at