Big time boxing returns to Sweden on September 19 when Erik Skoglund (22-0, 11 KOs) defends his IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight title against Oleskandr Cherviak (15-4-1, 5 KOs) at the Rosvalla Stora Ishallen at the Nyköpings Arenor in Nyköping, Sweden.
In a landmark decision for Swedish boxing, the country’s Martial Arts Delegation accepted an application for Skoglund to box 12 x 3 minute rounds, making the 24 year-old the first male boxer to contest a major title on Swedish soil since 1968.
Ahead of his historic homecoming, Skoglund reveals his desire for Swedish boxing to return to the glory days of the 1950s and 1960s when Ingemar Johansson ruled supreme and 53,615 spectators packed the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg to witness ‘Ingo’s Bingo’.
‘’Since I’ve started boxing I’ve seen the sport get smaller and smaller,’’ said Skoglund. ‘’Although we’ve had world champions they’ve not been able to fight at home so the sport has really suffered. Thankfully that’s all changing now and it’s an honour for me to be the person to bring professional boxing back to Sweden. This fight and what it represents is bigger than a world title fight, it’s bigger than me! This is the start of a new era for Swedish boxing.
‘’I’d like to see boxing return to the glory days of the 50s and 60s. Everyone knew and loved Ingemar Johansson. He could sell out football stadiums all over the country. I want boxing to become a popular sport in Sweden again. I know it’s not going to happen over night but we’re taking a huge step in the right direction.
‘’We’re making history! This is going to be the biggest show in Sweden since the 1960s. Team Sauerland are one of the top promoters in the world and for them to stage an event here is a massive occasion. I have all the motivation I need and on September 19 I’m going to put on the performance of a lifetime. Nobody should miss this fight!’’
TICKET UPDATE: Tickets for the IBF Intercontinental Championship fight between Erik Skoglund and Oleskandr Cherviak go on sale tomorrow (Thursday, July 30) at 7.00am and are available via http://www.biljettforum.se
