Sweden’s Badou Jack won the a WBC super middleweight title in Chicago on Friday night. This Saturday, Klara “The Swedish Princess” Svensson (15-0, 5 KOs) will attempt to make it two out of two for Sweden when she challenges Erica Anabella Farias (21-1, 10 KOs) for the WBC Female World Light Welterweight title at the Frederiksberg-Hallerne in Copenhagen.
Jack’s victory has been described in the Swedish media as the country’s biggest boxing triumph since 1959 when Ingemar Johansson won the heavyweight world title by beating Floyd Patterson in New York. On Saturday night, Svensson aims to emulate her countryman’s success and bring another green and gold belt back to Sweden.
“I’m really happy for Badou Jack,” said Svensson. “It’s given me a lot of inspiration for my fight on Saturday. Just like Badou, I’m the underdog challenging the world champion for the WBC title. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got to repeat his success.”
Jack and Svensson have a shared history fighting and training alongside each other in the Swedish amateur ranks, and should Svensson’s challenge prove a success, the pair will have a shared future as Sweden’s two WBC World champions.
“Badou and I competed together in the Swedish national amateur team many years ago,” said Svensson. “We both left Sweden to pursue a boxing career in countries where professional boxing is accepted. Hopefully our international success can make Sweden more positive towards the sport. Two Swedish world champions in one week should give boxing a huge boost in our country.”
First, Svensson must overcome the current WBC light welterweight queen. ‘’I have a lot of respect for Farias,’’ said the Malmo-boxer. ‘’I know she is a dangerous opponent, but I don’t think she is a remarkable boxing technician, and that is where I hold advantage. I will need to be careful, but I know what she is bringing to the table and I’m ready for it.’’
The champion Farias shares the challenger’s confidence. On Saturday night, she intends put an end to the Swede’s world title ambitions. “Klara can dream all she wants but on Saturday night she will get a reality check. I will be bringing the belt back to Argentina, where it belongs,” said 30 year-old.
