The WBO has ruled that it does not have the authority to change the result of the controversial World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight semifinals matchup between Mairis Briedis and Krzysztof Glowacki.
In a lengthy ruling sent out to all parties, the WBO ruled that it strongly recommends the winner of the WBSS cruiserweight tournament face Glowacki within 120 days after the tournament’s conclusion. The ruling came after Glowacki and his camp had asked the WBO to change the ruling of his controversial fight against Briedis on June 15 in Riga, Latvia. The bout was also Glowacki's first title defense since being elevated from interim champion to full champion weeks prior to the bout.
The fight between saw Briedis intentionally elbow Glowacki in retaliation to a Rabbit Punch thrown by Glowacki in the second round. Briedis also knocked Glowacki down after the second round ended, but both men continued fighting after the bell as referee Robert Byrd said he did not hear the bell. Briedis would go on to stop Glowacki early in round three to win the WBO title and advance to the finals. Glowacki and his camp had hoped the fight result would be overturned and be deemed a “No Contest" as Briedis said in a post-fight interview that his elbow on Glowacki was intentional.
However, the WBO stated that such a decision can only be made within the jurisdiction of the Latvian Boxing Federation, meaning that unless Latvia changes the result, Briedis is still the winner by third-round TKO and still the WBO cruiserweight champion. Briedis will now face IBF champion Yuniel Dorticos in the WBSS finals, which currently is in the planning stages with tournament officials hoping it takes place before the end of the year.
WBSS officials have 48 hours from July 5th to accept the WBO’s ruling. If the WBSS rejects the ruling or does not respond in time, then the WBO will determine a further ruling. The announcement would mean that the tournament can continue forward without problems and give Glowacki a chance to rest up and have a chance to face the winner in 2020.
If the ruling stands, Glowacki could potentially have a shot at three of the four major world titles at 200 pounds because the vacant WBC belt could likely be on the line when Briedis and Dorticos step into the ring later this year.
