2017–18 World Boxing Super Series – cruiserweight division#Semifinals
{{short description|Boxing competition}}
The 2017–18 World Boxing Super Series – cruiserweight division was a World Boxing Super Series professional boxing tournament that took place between September 2017 and July 2018 in several countries. The Super Series featured eight top-rated cruiserweight boxers in a single-elimination tournament. Its winner will hold world titles for all four of boxing's major sanctioning bodies, The Ring Magazine title, as well as the Muhammad Ali trophy. The tournament was organized by Comosa AG. A super middleweight tournament was held concurrently, with prize money for both competitions totalling US$50 million.{{cite web|url=https://worldboxingsuperseries.com/world-boxing-super-series-announced/ |title=World Boxing Super Series Announced |publisher=World Boxing Super Series |date=11 September 2017 |access-date=11 September 2017}}
At the start of the cruiserweight portion of the tournament, the world championship titles recognized by the four different sanctioning bodies{{snd}}WBA (established 1921), WBC (est. 1963), IBF (est. 1983) and WBO (est. 1988){{snd}}were held by four different boxers. All four of these boxers participated in the tournament, resulting in the eventual tournament champion, Oleksandr Usyk, becoming only the fourth boxer in history to become the undisputed champion of a weight class by holding the world titles from all four these sanctioning bodies.
Participants
| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center; font-size: 90%; width:100%;" | ||||||
| Rating{{ref|id1|1}} | Boxer | Record{{ref|id2|2}} | Stance | Height | Age{{ref|id2|2}} | World titles{{ref|id2|2}} |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagathlete|Mairis Briedis|LAT}} | 22–0–0 | Orthodox | {{height|m=1.86}} | {{birth date and age2|2017|9|9|1985|1|13}} | WBC World Champion |
| 9 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagathlete|Yuniel Dorticos|CUB}} | 21–0–0 | Orthodox | {{height|m=1.91}} | {{birth date and age2|2017|9|9|1986|3|11}} | WBA World Champion |
| 2 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagathlete|Murat Gassiev|RUS}} | 24–0–0 | Orthodox | {{height|m=1.92}} | {{birth date and age2|2017|9|9|1993|10|12}} | IBF World Champion |
| 10 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagathlete|Marco Huck|GER}} | 40–4–1 | Orthodox | {{height|m=1.88}} | {{birth date and age2|2017|9|9|1984|11|11}} | |
| {{N/A}} | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagathlete|Dmitry Kudryashov|RUS}} | 21–1–0 | Orthodox | {{height|m=1.89}} | {{birth date and age2|2017|9|9|1985|10|26}} | |
| {{N/A}} | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagathlete|Mike Perez|CUB}} | 22–2–1 | Southpaw | {{height|m=1.85}} | {{birth date and age2|2017|9|9|1985|10|20}} | |
| 1 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagathlete|Oleksandr Usyk|UKR}} | 12–0–0 | Southpaw | {{height|m=1.90}} | {{birth date and age2|2017|9|9|1987|1|17}} | WBO World Champion |
| 7 | style="text-align:left;"|{{flagathlete|Krzysztof Włodarczyk|POL}} | 53–3–1 | Orthodox | {{height|m=1.86}} | {{birth date and age2|2017|9|9|1981|9|19}} |
{{note|id1|1|Transnational Boxing Rankings Board rankings on 8 August 2017, the last archived rankings before the start of the tournament.}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tbrb.org/2017/08/14/8-august-2017/|title=8 August 2017 - Transnational Boxing Rankings Board|website=www.tbrb.org}}
{{note|id2|2|Age, records, and titles listed as of the start of the tournament.}}
Bracket
The format of the tournament required four seeded fighters to each choose their opponent from the four remaining unseeded fighters in a draft. The seeded fighters were determined by the organizers.{{cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/world-boxing-super-series-reveals-tournament-seeding--118273|title=World Boxing Super Series Reveals Tournament Seeding - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=7 July 2017 }} The draft took place on July 8, 2017, in a gala hosted by actress Melanie Winiger in Monte Carlo.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J65xNgRFe_U|title=World Boxing Super Series Draft Gala 2017|last=World Boxing Super Series|date=8 July 2017|publisher=|via=YouTube}} Per IBF rules, Gassiev had to defend his title against Włodarczyk before facing anyone else. Therefore, that matchup was pre-arranged before the draft.{{cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/cruiserweight-tournament-only-complaint-wait--118321|title=The Cruiserweight Tournament: The Only Complaint is the Wait - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=9 July 2017 }}
{{3RoundBracket-Byes
| seeds=no
| RD1=Quarter-finals
| RD2=Semi-finals
| RD3=Final
| team-width=190
| score-width=50
| RD1-team1={{flagathlete|Oleksandr Usyk|UKR}}
| RD1-score1=TKO 10
| RD1-team2={{flagathlete|Marco Huck|GER}}
| RD1-score2=
| RD1-team3={{flagathlete|Mairis Briedis|LAT}}
| RD1-score3=UD 12
| RD1-team4={{flagathlete|Mike Perez|CUB}}
| RD1-score4=
| RD1-team5= {{flagathlete|Murat Gassiev|RUS}}
| RD1-score5=KO 3
| RD1-team6={{flagathlete|Krzysztof Włodarczyk|POL}}
| RD1-score6=
| RD1-team7={{flagathlete|Yuniel Dorticos|CUB}}
| RD1-score7=KO 2
| RD1-team8={{flagathlete|Dmitry Kudryashov|RUS}}
| RD1-score8=
| RD2-team1={{flagathlete|Oleksandr Usyk|UKR}}
| RD2-score1=MD 12
| RD2-team2={{flagathlete|Mairis Briedis|LAT}}
| RD2-score2=
| RD2-team3={{flagathlete|Murat Gassiev|RUS}}
| RD2-score3=TKO 12
| RD2-team4={{flagathlete|Yuniel Dorticos|CUB}}
| RD2-score4=
| RD3-team1={{flagathlete|Oleksandr Usyk|UKR}}
| RD3-score1=UD 12
| RD3-team2={{flagathlete|Murat Gassiev|RUS}}
| RD3-score2=
}}
Quarterfinals
= Usyk vs. Huck =
{{Infobox boxing match
| Fight Name =
| fight date = 9 September 2017
| image =
| location = Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany
| fighter1 = {{flagicon|UKR}} Oleksandr Usyk
| nickname1 = The Cat
| hometown1 = Simferopol, Ukraine
| height1 = {{height|ft=6|in=3}}
| weight1 = {{convert|199+1/2|lb|abbr=on}}
| fighter2 = {{flagicon|GER}} Marco Huck
| nickname2 = Captain
| hometown2 = Berlin, Germany
| height2 = {{height|ft=6|in=2}}
| weight2 = {{convert|198+4/5|lb|abbr=on}}
| titles = Usyk's WBO cruiserweight title
| result = Usyk defeats Huck in the 10th round via TKO.{{cite news|last1=Reddy|first1=Luke|title=World Boxing Super Series: Oleksandr Usyk stops Marco Huck to defend title|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/41216423|access-date=12 September 2017}}
}}
{{Main|Oleksandr Usyk vs. Marco Huck}}
In the inaugural match of the Super Series, top-seeded Oleksandr Usyk sought to defend his title against Marco Huck. At the weigh-in, Usyk hitting the scales at precisely 199{{frac|1|2}} lbs, while Huck weighed-in at 198{{frac|3|4}} lbs. The fight took place at Max-Schmeling-Halle and was announced by Jimmy Lennon Jr.{{cite web|url=https://worldboxingsuperseries.com/usyk-huck-hit-scales-berlin-ready-ali-trophy-premiere/ |title=Usyk and Huck Hit the Scales in Berlin: Ready for Ali Trophy Premiere |publisher=World Boxing Super Series |date=18 September 2017 |access-date=18 September 2017}} At the final press conference, a bit of controversy occurred during the head to head photo, where Huck pushed his opponent Usyk.{{cite web|url=https://worldboxingsuperseries.com/huck-pushes-usyk-final-press-conference-berlin/ |title=Huck Pushes Usyk at Final Prses Conference in Berlin|publisher=World Boxing Super Series |date=18 September 2017 |access-date=18 September 2017}}
The first Super Series quarter-final saw Usyk successfully retain his WBO title and advance to the semi-finals after the referee stepped in to stop the encounter and save Huck from further punishment.{{cite web|url=https://worldboxingsuperseries.com/usyk-sees-briedis-semi-final-opponent/ |title=Usyk Sees Briedis as Semi-final Opponent |publisher=World Boxing Super Series |date=15 September 2017 |access-date=15 September 2017}} The official time of the stoppage was 2:16 in round 10. Usyk had little trouble in the fight. Huck provided heart and toughness, showing he was certainly not a pushover but Usyk's boxing skills were too much, completely outboxing Huck and continuously landing punches. The win was Usyk's third successful title defense, and sees him advance to the next stage of the Super Series.{{cite web|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2017/9/9/16281600/usyk-vs-huck-results-oleksandr-usyk-stops-marco-huck-to-kick-off-world-boxing-super-series |title=Oleksandr Usyk got the WBSS started in triumphant fashion |publisher=Bad Left Hook |date=9 September 2017 |access-date=15 September 2017}}
The undercard was headlined by a bout between Noel Gevor and Isiah Thomas. Both fighters were coming off losses, but Gevor got the win via unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 100–89 in favor of Gevor.{{cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/usyk-vs-huck-live-results-from-berlin--120314 |title=Usyk vs. Huck - LIVE Results From Berlin |publisher=Boxing Scene |date=9 September 2017 |access-date=15 September 2017}}
= Dorticos vs. Kudryashov =
{{Infobox boxing match
| Fight Name =
| fight date = 23 September 2017
| image =
| location = Alamodome, San Antonio, United States
| fighter1 = {{flagicon|CUB}} Yuniel Dorticos
| nickname1 = The KO Doctor
| hometown1 = Havana, Cuba
| height1 = {{height|ft=6|in=3}}
| weight1 = {{convert|199|lb|abbr=on}}
| fighter2 = {{flagicon|RUS}} Dmitry Kudryashov
| nickname2 = The Russian Hammer
| hometown2 = Volgodonsk, Russia
| height2 = {{height|ft=6|in=2+1/2}}
| weight2 = {{convert|200|lb|abbr=on}}
| titles = Dorticos' WBA (Regular) cruiserweight title
| result = Dorticos defeats Kudryashov in the 2nd round via KO.
}}
{{Main|Yunier Dorticos vs. Dmitry Kudryashov}}
The second Super Series cruiserweight quarterfinal featured Yuniel Dorticos defending his WBA (Regular) title against Dmitry Kudryashov. The bout generated some expectation, as Kudryashov and Dorticos were both known as knockout punchers, with 42 out of 43 of their combined previous fights ending by way of knockout.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/20769601/boxing-world-boxing-super-series-cruiserweight-quarterfinal-yunier-dorticos-dmitry-kudryashov-fight-year-potential|title=Dorticos-Kudryashov WBSS quarterfinal has fight-of-the-year potential|date=20 September 2017|publisher=}} This will be the Super Series' first match in the United States. A percentage of the gate revenue will be donated to the San Antonio Food Bank to aid victims of Hurricane Harvey.{{cite web|url=http://www.worldboxingnews.net/2017/09/22/news/wbss-to-donate-percentage-of-dorticos-v-kudryashov-gate-to-hurricane-harvey-fund|title=WBSS to donate percentage of Dorticos v Kudryashov gate to Hurricane Harvey fund|last=Ringside|publisher=}} At the official weigh-in, Dmitry Kudryashov initially missed weight by half a pound, coming in at 200 1⁄2 lbs. However, he was able to come in at exactly 200 lbs in a second try 45 minutes later. Dorticos weighed in at 199 lbs.{{cite web|url=http://fightnews.com/dorticos-kudryashov-make-weight/5380|title=Dorticos, Kudryashov make weight|date=22 September 2017|publisher=}}
On fight night, Dorticos retained his title and advanced to the semi-finals by knocking out Kudryashov in just 2 rounds. The fight started with a slow-paced, feel out round, with both boxers studying their opponent. Dorticos successfully executed a pull counter as the bell sounded. In round 2, the pace of the fight increased, with Dorticos and Kudryashov trading combinations. Eventually, Dorticos gained the upper hand by landing a series of one-two combos, as Kudryashov retreated behind his high guard. Dorticos ended the contest by knocking out Kudryashov with a right hook. The referee waived the count with a minute left in round 2.{{cite web|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2017/9/23/16356184/world-boxing-super-series-results-dorticos-wrecks-kudryashov-in-second-round|title=World Boxing Super Series results: Dorticos wrecks Kudryashov in second round|date=23 September 2017|publisher=}}
In the undercard, Keith Tapia won a wide unanimous decision over Lateef Kayode (100–89, 100–89, 99–90), having dropped him once at the end of round 6.{{cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/keith-tapia-drops-decisions-lateef-kayode-results--120775|title=Keith Tapia Drops, Decisions Lateef Kayode in WBSS Reserve Bout - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=23 September 2017 }} Earlier, four-weight world champion Nonito Donaire defeated Rubén García Hernández by unanimous decision (100–90, 99–91, 97–93) for the WBC Silver featherweight title.{{cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/nonito-donaire-dominates-ruben-hernandez-wins-wbc-silver--120774|title=Nonito Donaire Dominates Ruben Hernandez, Wins WBC Silver - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=23 September 2017 }}
= Briedis vs. Perez =
{{Infobox boxing match
| Fight Name =
| fight date = 30 September 2017
| image =
| location = Arena Riga, Riga, Latvia
| fighter1 = {{flagicon|LAT}} Mairis Briedis
| nickname1 =
| hometown1 = Riga, Latvia
| height1 = {{height|ft=6|in=1}}
| weight1 = {{convert|198+1/2|lb|abbr=on}}
| fighter2 = {{flagicon|CUB}} Mike Perez
| nickname2 = The Rebel
| hometown2 = Ciego de Ávila, Cuba
| height2 = {{height|ft=6|in=1}}
| weight2 = {{convert|197+1/3|lb|abbr=on}}
| titles = Briedis' WBC cruiserweight title
| result = Briedis defeats Perez via UD (116–110, 114–112, 115–111)
}}
{{Main|Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez}}
Mairis Briedis defended his WBC cruiserweight title against Mike Perez in the third WBSS cruiserweight quarterfinal. This was Perez's second fight as a cruiserweight, after he came down from the heavyweight division following a TKO loss to Alexander Povetkin. The bout took place in Briedis' hometown of Riga, at the eponymous Arena Riga. At the official weigh-in, Briedis tipped the scales at 198 1⁄2 lbs, while Mike Perez came in lighter, at 197 1⁄3 lbs.{{cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/photos-mairis-briedis-mike-perez-ready-official-weights--120939|title=Photos: Mairis Briedis, Mike Perez Ready For WBSS Battle - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=29 September 2017 }}
Briedis won a scrappy fight in his hometown, beating Mike Perez by unanimous decision after 12 rounds (116–110, 114–112, 115–111). Perez was deducted a point in round 3 following an accidental headbutt. Briedis was also docked a point during round 10 for excessive holding. With the win, Briedis moves on to the semifinals to face top-seeded Oleksandr Usyk.{{cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/mairis-briedis-decisions-mike-perez-set-fight-usyk-next--120978|title=Mairis Briedis Decisions Mike Perez, Set To Fight Usyk Next - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=30 September 2017 }}
The undercard saw tournament reserve Krzysztof Głowacki beat Leonardo Bruzesse via 5th-round knockout and super heavyweight Olympic medalist Filip Hrgović dominate and defeat Zumbano Love via TKO in the first round in his professional debut.
= Gassiev vs. Włodarczyk =
{{Infobox boxing match
| Fight Name =
| fight date = 21 October 2017
| image =
| location = Prudential Center, Newark, U.S.
| fighter1 = {{flagicon|RUS}} Murat Gassiev
| nickname1 = Iron
| hometown1 = Vladikavkaz, Russia
| height1 = {{height|ft=6|in=4}}
| weight1 = {{convert|199|lb|abbr=on}}
| fighter2 = {{flagicon|POL}} Krzysztof Włodarczyk
| nickname2 = Diablo
| hometown2 = Warsaw, Poland
| height2 = {{height|ft=6|in=1}}
| weight2 = {{convert|199+1/2|lb|abbr=on}}
| titles = Gassiev's IBF cruiserweight title
| result = Gassiev defeats Włodarczyk in the 3rd round via KO
}}
{{Main|Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Włodarczyk}}
The final cruiserweight quarterfinal match was between IBF champion Murat Gassiev and former IBF and WBC champion Krzysztof Włodarczyk. the fight would take place in Newark, New Jersey at the Prudential Center on 21 October 2017. One of the main factors for the fight taking place in New Jersey was due to the Polish population in that state.{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/gassiev-vs-wlodarczyk-lands-prudential-center-october-21--120271|title=Gassiev vs. Wlodarczyk Lands at Prudential Center, October 21 - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=8 September 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-09-09}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/20640820/murat-gassiev-set-face-former-titleholder-challenger-krzysztof-wlodarczyk-october-21st|title=Gassiev-Wlodarczyk to take place Oct. 21|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-09-09}} At the official weigh-in, Gassiev tipped the scales at 199 lb, while Włodarczyk weighed 199 1⁄2 lb.{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingnews24.com/2017/10/murat-gassiev-vs-krzysztof-wlodarczyk-weights/|title = Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk - Weights ⋆ Boxing News 24|date = 20 October 2017}}
Gassiev delivered a dominant 3rd-round KO, retaining his IBF title and securing his place in the semi-finals. Gassiev was in control the opening two rounds working away on Włodarczyk. Midway through round 3, having Włodarczyk against the ropes, Gassiev connected with a left uppercut to the head, which was immediately followed by a left to the body, dropping Włodarczyk on all fours, flat on the canvas. Włodarczyk, clearly in pain, failed to beat the 10 count. The official time of stoppage was 1:57 of the round. Gassiev, who was pleased with his performance, said, "I had a great opponent tonight. I prepared myself for a tough fight, but it is boxing, and anything can happen. We do a lot of work in the gym, and I just listened to my coach round after round, and he told me what I needed to do. That's all I needed." Włodarczyk accepted defeat admitting the better man won.{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/gassiev-crushes-wlodarczyk-three-face-dorticos-results--121668|title=Gassiev Crushes Wlodarczyk in Three, Will Face Dorticos Next - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=21 October 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-10-23}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/21107711/murat-gassiev-ko-krzysztof-wlodarczyk-keep-cruiserweight-title|title=Gassiev defeats Wlodarczyk via 3rd-round KO|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-10-23}}
On the undercard, Maciej Sulęcki defeated Jack Culcay via unanimous decision, and tournament alternate Mateusz Masternak beat Stivens Bujaj.
Semifinals
All four pre-tournament champions emerged from the quarterfinals, retaining their respective cruiserweight world champion titles: Usyk as champion of the WBO; Briedis as champion of the WBC; Gassiev as champion of the IBF; and Dorticos as champion of the WBA. This meant that each semifinal bout would result in a champion unifying two sanctioning bodies' titles.
=Usyk vs. Briedis=
{{Infobox boxing match
| Fight Name =
| fight date = 27 January 2018
| image =
| location = Arēna Rīga, Riga, Latvia
| fighter1 = {{flagicon|UKR}} Oleksandr Usyk
| nickname1 = The Cat
| hometown1 = Simferopol, Ukraine
| height1 = {{height|ft=6|in=3}}
| weight1 = {{convert|199.3|lb|abbr=on}}
| fighter2 = {{flagicon|LAT}} Mairis Briedis
| nickname2 = The Latvian Punisher
| hometown2 = Riga, Latvia
| height2 = {{height|ft=6|in=1}}
| weight2 = {{convert|199.1|lb|abbr=on}}
| titles = Usyk's WBO and Briedis' WBC cruiserweight titles
| result = Usyk defeats Briedis via MD (115–113, 114–114, 115–113),
becomes unified WBC–WBO champion
}}
{{Main|Oleksandr Usyk vs. Mairis Briedis}}
On 27 January 2018, Usyk defeated Briedis by a majority decision, becoming the unified WBC–WBO champion.
=Gassiev vs. Dorticos=
{{Infobox boxing match
| Fight name =
| fight date = 3 February 2018
| image =
| location = Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi, Russia
| fighter1 = {{flagicon|RUS}} Murat Gassiev
| nickname1 = Iron
| hometown1 = Vladikavkaz, Russia
| height1 ={{height|ft=6|in=4}}
| weight1 = {{convert|199|lb|abbr=on}}
| fighter2 = {{flagicon|CUB}} Yuniel Dorticos
| nickname2 = The KO Doctor
| hometown2 = Havana, Cuba
| height2 = {{height|ft=6|in=3}}
| weight2 = {{convert|200|lb|abbr=on}}
| titles = Gassiev's IBF and Dorticos' WBA cruiserweight titles
| result = Gassiev defeats Dorticos in the 12th round via TKO,
becomes unified IBF–WBA champion
}}
{{Main|Murat Gassiev vs. Yuniel Dorticos}}
On 3 February 2018, Gassiev defeated Dorticos by a technical knockout in the 12th round, becoming the unified WBA–IBF champion.
Final
{{Infobox boxing match
| Fight name =
| fight date = 21 July 2018
| location = Olympic Stadium, Moscow, Russia
| fighter1 = {{flagicon|UKR}} Oleksandr Usyk
| nickname1 = The Cat
| hometown1 = Simferopol, Ukraine
| height1 = {{height|ft=6|in=3}}
| weight1 = {{convert|198+1/4|lb|abbr=on}}
| fighter2 = {{flagicon|RUS}} Murat Gassiev
| nickname2 = Iron
| hometown2 = Vladikavkaz, Russia
| height2 = {{height|ft=6|in=3}}
| weight2 = {{convert|198+1/4|lb|abbr=on}}
| titles = Gassiev's IBF and WBA, and Usyk's WBC and WBO cruiserweight titles
| result = Usyk defeats Gassiev via UD (120–108, 119–109, 119–109),
becomes four title undisputed champion
}}
{{Main|Oleksandr Usyk vs. Murat Gassiev}}
Initially, the final was scheduled for 11 May 2018 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,{{Cite news|url=https://worldboxingsuperseries.com/world-boxing-super-series-cruiserweight-final-held-saudi-arabia/|title=World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight Final to be held in Saudi Arabia - World Boxing Super Series|date=2017-10-17|work=World Boxing Super Series|access-date=2018-01-28|language=en-GB}} but later it was rescheduled for 21 July 2018 in Moscow, Russia.
Usyk defeated Gassiev by a unanimous decision, unifying the cruiserweight titles of all four major sanctioning organizations, becoming the undisputed cruiserweight world champion.
See also
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{WBSS tournaments}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:2017-18 World Boxing Super Series - cruiserweight division}}