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Skoglund Retains IBF
Intercontinental
Title In Historic Homecoming Fight
Photos: KGZ Fougstedt
Erik Skoglund (23-0, 11 KOs) retained his IBF
Intercontinental Light Heavyweight title tonight in
Nyköping, Sweden with a comprehensive points victory
over Oleksandr Cherviak (15-5-1, 5 KOs).
The show signalled the return of big-time boxing to
Sweden, with Skoglund’s fight being the first over
championship distance since Jimmy Ellis defended the
World heavyweight title with a controversial fifteen
round decision over Floyd Patterson in September 1968.
In front of a sell out crowd of 5,232 people, the 24
year-old Swede delivered, continuing his world title
charge with a dominant display against the tough
Ukrainian.
Cherviak attempted to upset the hometown fighter in the
early rounds, but Skoglund soon found his rhythm, and
took control of the bout. In round five, Skoglund looked
close to stopping the 34 year-old, pushing him back on
to the ropes and landing heavy shots to the head and
body.
The final round started at a frantic pace, as Skoglund,
roared on by his loyal supporters, looked to bring the
contest to a premature end, but Cherviak dug deep and
was able to take the fight to the judges’ scorecards.
After twelve entertaining rounds, Skoglund was ahead
120-108, 120-108 and 119-109.
‘’It was a fantastic feeling to be able to fight and
defend my title on Swedish soil,’’ said Skoglund. ‘’It
really was a historic night, and I want to thank
everyone who came out and supported me. I love each and
every one of them.
‘’It was indescribable to walk into the arena to such an
amazing reception. It's the best audience I ever had,
and probably the best I will ever have. I’m proud to
fight in front of these people, and to represent Sweden
and Nyköping on such a big stage. This was a gigantic
step forward for me and for Swedish boxing.
‘’Cherviak was tough, as I expected him to be, but I
stuck to my game plan and I got the job done. He is a
good boxer, but I was clearly the better boxer with the
better tactics.’’
Cherviak, who more than played his part in evening’s
action, was humble in defeat, admitting he had a loss to
a superior opponent.
‘’Erik is a very talent boxer,’’ said Cherviak. ‘’And he
has a lot of experience for someone of his age. He made
it difficult for me, and executed his game plan well. He
was the better man on the night. Obviously, I’m
disappointed, but I’m thankful for the opportunity, and
I wish Erik every success in the future.’’
Promoter Nisse Sauerland admits he was blown away by the
support shown for Skoglund from the Swedish fans, and
believes the young fighter has a bright future ahead of
him.
‘’What a spectacular show,’’ said Sauerland. ‘’The
fights, the fans, the atmosphere – nothing could have
gone better. This was a great advert for boxing, and the
perfect night to announce the return of boxing to
Sweden. Erik was sensational, he shows a maturity far
beyond his years. No doubt about it, we are looking at a
future super star.’’
In an undercard stacked with talent, the Swede’s shone
brightest. Anthony ‘Can You Dig It?’ Yigit proved why he
is one of the most exciting fighters in Europe with an
action packed eight-round unanimous points v
ictory over former EBU-EU
title challenger Chaquib Fadli.
‘’It was an entertaining fight,’’ said the Stockholm
fighter. ‘’Fadli is a tough guy. He belongs with the
best in Europe, but so do I. It was wonderful to box in
Sweden, nothing beats boxing at home. The audience here
were simply fantastic."
Further down the card, heavyweight hope Otto Wallin
scored an impressive points victory over former Russian
Champion Vladimir Goncharov, Sven Fornling overcame his
Norwegian opponent Simen Smaadal, who absorbed a lot of
punishment, with a one sided points victory, amateur
star Hampus Henrikkson starting his pro career in style
with a first-round KO win over Ivan Sakic, Simon
Henriksson claimed his fourth victory against Jakub
Horvath (UD4), and Johanna Rydberg outworked her Russian
opponent Evgeniya Zablotskaya to remain undefeated
(UD4).
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