Erik Skoglund (25-0, 11 KOs) returns to the Rosvalla Arena in Nyköping on October 28 to take on the ‘Albanian Bomber’ Timy Shala (21-1-1, 8 KOs) in a twelve-round title fight.
The ‘Swedish Sensation’ is back in action following a bloody brawl with Ryno Liebenberg on April 23 at the Hovet in Stockholm, where despite suffering a bad cut above his right eye, Skoglund scored a unanimous points victory.
The 25 year-old is now relishing a return to his hometown arena, which last year, played host to his historic IBF Intercontinental title fight against Oleksandr Cherviak, and a shut-out points win over Derek Edwards.
‘’I’m very happy to be fighting in my hometown again,’’ he says. ‘’It has been almost a year since my last fight in Nyköping, and I think I owe it to my fans to give them another great show at the Rosvalla Arena.’’
Skoglund is predicting a tough fight against his Albanian opponent Shala, who has issued his own words of warning for the undefeated Swede.
‘’It will be a tough fight,’’ says Skoglund. ‘’Shala is a little different from my previous opponents. He is not a brawler like Liebenberg, who comes forward with wild swinging punches; he is a well-schooled, technical boxer, so we will see a different type of fight and a different game plan from me.’’
‘’Skoglund is a good boxer, but I know I can beat him,’’ says Shala. ‘’He should prepare for a guy who is willing to do everything to win. I’ve already been training hard and I will be in great shape on October 28. I will not lose this fight!’’
The 30 year-old adds that he will be bringing his own fans to rival Skoglund’s passionate home support: ‘’Albanian people are crazy boxing fans. There will be many coming to support me and making lots of noise.’’
Promoter Nisse Sauerland says he is delighted to be bringing the Nordic Fight Night back to Nyköping, and expects Shala to provide a stern test for Skoglund.
‘’We’re pleased to be coming back to Nyköping,’’ says Sauerland. ‘’This will be our third event at the Rosvalla Arena, and I’m sure the fans will come out in force to support their local hero Erik Skoglund and make for another great atmosphere.
‘’It will be a good fight for Erik. Shala is a strong, technical boxer, who wants to make a name for himself by beating a young, undefeated fighter on his home turf. Erik will need to work hard for the win and to keep his perfect record intact.’’
