Briedis Publicly Challenges Zutis to a Fight, Zutis Replies With MMA Rules and a €50,000 Demand

A dispute between former world champion Mairis Briedis and boxer Kristaps Zutis, both from Latvia, has flared up again. Briedis publicly urged Zutis on social media to settle their differences in a training session, and Zutis responded with conditions of his own, the website Sportajaunumi.com reported on 15 October.

Briedis's invitation

The two have criticised each other publicly several times over the years but have never met in the ring. In his video, Briedis said he had had enough of Zutis and that he has not boxed for two and a half years. He noted that Zutis has a fight this weekend and will therefore be in good shape.

Briedis proposed meeting next Saturday at 10:00 at the sports club “Latvijas cimdi” for a joint workout and sparring. He accused Zutis of talking a lot but doing little.

Zutis's reply

In his own video on TikTok, Zutis said he agrees in principle to settle things, but that boxing is a gentleman's sport. He claimed Briedis had blocked him on social media and had earlier gone to the police over his statements.

Zutis proposed fighting under mixed martial arts (MMA) rules at a different venue, a sports field in Sabile. He asked for €50,000 for taking part and said he would direct the money to supporting the Ukrainian army.

Current situation

Zutis plans to take part in the “King of Kings” fight night this weekend. He had earlier briefly stopped his sporting career and lost to Kaspars Kambals after returning. Briedis has not competed in professional boxing for more than two years.