The world cruiserweight champion was handed the Order of the Three Stars (Third Class) in a ceremony at Riga Castle just days before he is due to defend his other titles in the ring against Ukraine's talented Oleksandr Usyk on January 27 in Riga.
The official citation said Briedis - Latvia's first ever world boxing champion - was deemed worthy of the award "for outstanding achievements in sports and a significant contribution to the promotion of the name of Latvia around the world."
Valsts prezidents @Vejonis svinīgā ceremonijā Rīgas pilī pasniedz valsts augstāko apbalvojumu – Triju Zvaigžņu ordeni – bokserim Mairim Briedim par izciliem sasniegumiem sportā un nozīmīgu ieguldījumu Latvijas vārda popularizēšanā pasaulē pic.twitter.com/2OEt0zkHdn
— Valsts prezidents (@Rigas_pils) January 24, 2018
The former Riga police officer is a national hero and role model, not only for his sporting achievements but for his commendable modesty outside the ring, a point Vējonis made in his speech, describing Briedis as "a model for the younger generation".
You can see a preview of the upcoming fight via the link below.
? Briedis was happy with the support he received last time out at the Riga Arena vs @IsmaikelPerez!
— World Boxing Super Series (@WBSuperSeries) January 24, 2018
? Watch the full pre-fight documentary here: https://t.co/K0kb0FUsjf#UsykBriedis ? #AliTrophy pic.twitter.com/8JBdyUVCPg
