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Skoglund Defeats Edwards To
Remain
On Course For World Title Challenge
Photos: KGZ Fougstedt
Erik Skoglund (24-0, 11 KOs) continues his World title
charge following an impressive performance against Derek
Edwards (27-6-1, 14 KOs) tonight in Nyköping, Sweden.
The 24 year-old Swede used his height and reach
advantage to good effect, keeping Edwards at range
throughout the ten-round contest. Despite trailing on
points, Edwards remained a threat as he looked to land
his big overhand right.
However, it was Skoglund who came closest to scoring a
knockout. An uppercut in the sixth-round sent Edwards to
the canvas, but the referee ruled it a slip. In the
tenth-round, the American was once again in trouble with
Skoglund unloading a barrage of punches before the final
bell.
The judges scored the fight 100-90, 99-91 and 99-92 all
in favour of the home fighter, who expressed his delight
at the result.
‘’This was one of his toughest fights of my career,’’
said Skoglund. ‘’Edwards was dangerous throughout the
whole fight, but I stuck to my game plan and kept him at
a distance.
‘’It was like a dream scenario for me, everything went
exactly as we planned. I felt that I was close to
getting the stoppage, but he was tough and I couldn’t
land the final punch.
‘’This was an important test for me against a
World-class fighter, and I think I passed.’’
‘’I was very impressed by Erik performance. He fought
the perfect fight,’’ said promoter Nisse Sauerland.
‘’Derek is a seasoned professional and he came here to
win, but was beaten by the better man.
‘’Now, Erik can take some time off and enjoy his
Christmas break, before we get back to business next
year. He proved he’s ready for a step up and we will
look to deliver him a big title fight in 2016.’’
On the undercard, Swedish Olympian Anthony ‘Can You Dig
It’ Yigit (16-0-1, 7 KOs) proved his potential with an
impressive performance against former World Champion
DeMarcus Corley (42-26-1, 25 KOs), forcing the American
veteran to quit on his stool at the start of the
fourth-round.
‘’It was a great fight,’’ said the Stockholm fighter.
‘’DeMarcus is definitely one of the best boxers I’ve
ever faced, and that was one of the best performances
I’ve ever delivered. Next year, I want to continue my
progress and fight the best fighters out there.’’
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