Oleksandr Usyk vs. Mairis Briedis was a professional boxing match contested on 27 January 2018, for the WBC and WBO cruiserweight championship.

[1] Following their respective September 2017 quarter final victories against Marco Huck and Mike Perez, it was reported the WBSS semi final between Oleksandr Usyk and Mairis Briedis would take place on 27 January 2018 in Riga, Latvia, a week before Murat Gassiev vs. Yuniel Dorticos.

[2][3][4] Arēna Rīga was confirmed as the location by Kalle Sauerland in early December.

[6] With a high work rate, Usyk controlled most of the fight with his jab, putting on pressure when needed.

From round five, Usyk became busier and took control of the fight, although he was still hit with some hard shots to the head from Briedis.