Erik Skoglund, Danilo D’Agata
Photo Credit: Photo Wende

***Skoglund retains European (EU) Light Heavyweight Title***

Erik Skoglund successfully defended his European (EU) Light Heavyweight Title with a ninth-round stoppage of Danilo D’Agata at the Nordic Fight Night in Esbjerg, Denmark.

The 22 year-old outclassed his awkward opponent to remain undefeated and secure his twentieth professional victory.

‘’It was a good fight,’’ said Skoglund. ‘’D’Agata was a tricky opponent. He had a good jab and was difficult to reach. I knew that as the fight went on he would tire and I would be able to get to him. I was pleased to get the stoppage.’’

Said promoter Nisse Sauerland: ‘’This was a great win for Erik. He overcame a difficult opponent who could have potentially given him some problems. Erik has showed tonight that he is world class and I believe he is ready to fight for a bigger title.’’

Eriks motståndare visade sig vara knölig och oortodox. Men Erik visade stort tålamod och höll sig till planen. I sjätte ronden tog Erik över allt mer och i den nionde fick Erik in en bra träff. Han utnyttjade möjligheten skoningslöst och fick då till ett avgörande. Det formella resultatet blev TKO 2,57 in i den nionde ronden.

Danilo, D’Agata, Erik Skoglund
Photo Credit: Photo Wende

I en fullsatt Pub i Esbjerg genomfördes i eftermiddags invägning av alla 24 boxare som skall i ringen i morgon. Erik vägde in på 79.0kg och hans motståndare Danilo D’Agata vägde in på 78.8kg.
I morgon kväll är det dags. Galan startar 17.35 och biljetter finns att köpa på www.billetten.dk.
I Sverige sänder TV10 med start klockan 20.30.

Ett stort tack till Tommy Gustafsson som konstruerat denna Poster och lagt upp den på Eriks Facebook. Snyggt Tommy!

Danilo D’Agata, Nisse Sauerland, Erik Skoglund
Photo Credit: Team Sauerland

***NFN press conference – pictures and quotes****

Erik Skoglund (19-0, 10 KOs) came face-to-face with his opponent Danilo D’Agata (12-1-1, 3 KOs) for the first time at today’s final press conference ahead of their European (EU) Light Heavyweight Title fight at the Nordic Fight Night in Esbjerg on Saturday night.

“I feel good,’’ said Skoglund. ‘’I’ve gone through a long and hard training camp with good sparring. I couldn’t feel better. I want to take control from the first bell and push him all the way through the fight.

‘’There’s been some trash talk on his part, but it’s part of the game. Danilo has called me a predictable fighter, but let’s see how much he can predict on the night.’’

Said D’Agata: ‘’I am here to win. It may sound a little weird, but I’m actually pretty relaxed and calm. When you train properly and know your strengths you can be relaxed. I am not going to reveal my game plan but I can assure you I am here to spoil the show.‘’

Promoter Nisse Sauerland said: ”Erik looks in great shape. We fully expect him to continue his unbeaten streak and continue on his journey to become a world champion. However he can’t take anything for grated. He must remain focused and fight to the very best of his ability in order to get past D’Agata.”

Skoglund is not the only Swede fighting for a title at the Blue Water Dokken, Anthony Yigit fights Kasper Bruun in a Scandinavian showdown for the WBC Baltic Light Welterweight Title.

Yigit was accompanied by his coach Joey Gamache to the press conference, however his opponent Bruun was unable to attend.

‘’I was surprised that Kasper didn’t show up today,’’ said Yigit. ‘’Maybe he is scared. He can run, but on Saturday night there will be no place for him to hide!’’

Yigit’s confidence is shared by his coach Gamache. ‘’We have worked out a winning game plan and have exercised and executed it throughout all our training,’’ said the former two-time world champion. ‘’I’m not taking anything away from Kasper but although he has 20 fights this will be his first real fight. There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that Anthony will win.‘’

Tickets for the Nordic Fight Night in Esbjerg are available at billetten.dk

Please feel free to share/use/embed videos from today’s press conference which can be found here https://www.youtube.com/user/NordicFightNight