Team Sauerland has lodged an application with the Swedish Boxing Federation for Erik Skoglund (22-0, 11 KOs) to box twelve rounds in a defense of his IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight title against Oleksander Cherviak (15-4-1, 5 KOs) on September 19 at the Nyköpings Arenor in Nyköping, Sweden.
In a potential milestone for Swedish boxing, should the application be successful, Skoglund would become the first male boxer to participate in a major title fight on Swedish soil since the ban on professional boxing was imposed in 1969.
Skoglund is undefeated in twenty-two professional contests and a top ten world ranked fighter. Having boxed all of his previous contests in Denmark, Germany and Finland, the 24 year-old from Nyköping is excited about the prospect of competing in his home country.
‘’It would be a dream come true,’’ said Skoglund. ‘’Since I started boxing, it has been my goal to bring the sport home as we have not had this level of boxing in Sweden since 1968. To be fighting in Nyköping, in my hometown, would make it extra special. The arena is just two minutes from my house, so it really is in my backyard. I would expect a lot of support, not just from Nyköping, but from all over Sweden.
‘’I’m hopeful the application will be successful. MMA fighters and female boxers have received permission to fight for the full distance so I see no reason why they would reject our application. Particularly as this is the first time someone has applied for a title fight at this level.’’
With the application lodged, the Swedish Boxing Federation must now file for dispensation with the Swedish Fighting Delegation, who will then be responsible for accepting or rejecting the proposed bout.
‘’The decision is now in the hands of the delegation and we expect them to make the right choice,’’ said promoter Nisse Sauerland. ‘’Erik is a remarkable athlete, who deserves the chance showcase his skills in his own country. We honestly believe we are looking at the country’s next world champion, and this for us is the first step towards bringing world championship boxing back to Sweden.’’
If the application is approved, Skoglund will be making the first defence of his IBF Intercontinental title against the tough Ukrainian Oleksander Cherviak in the Swede’s first fight back since undergoing back surgery in February to repair a herniated disc.
