Swedish super middleweight Hampus Henriksson (2-0, 1 KO) has teamed up with former Mikkel Kessler coach Jimmy Montoya ahead of his third professional fight on December 9 at the Rosvalla Arena in Nyköping, Sweden.

Montoya has trained over 15 World Champions during his illustrious career including Hector Camacho, Alexis Arguello and Salvador Sanchez, but in Europe, he is perhaps best known for his work with Danish boxing icon Mikkel Kessler, who he led to WBC and WBA World Super Middleweight titles.

‘’I first met Jimmy a few years ago at Mikkel Kessler’s gym,’’ explains Henriksson. ‘’I had gone there to spar with (Danish professional boxer) Abdul Khattab, and Jimmy was there to help Mikkel prepare for his rematch with Carl Froch. Later in my career, after my first two pro-fights, I felt that I needed something different, and I asked Mikkel if he could try to connect me with Jimmy, which he did.’’

Henriksson can now count on Montoya’s expertise as the 22 year-old southpaw looks to climb the rankings and make his name as professional fighter.

‘’It’s great to be working with a legendary coach like Jimmy,’’ he says. ‘’He’s incredibly experienced and has so much knowledge about the game. He will make a big difference both mentally and physically. I feel very lucky to have him in my corner, and I trust him to know which steps I should take and when.’’

The Swedish fighter admits his ultimate ambition would be to emulate the success of Montoya’s former student Mikkel Kessler.

‘’That would be a dream come true,’’ he says. ‘’He is one of my boxing idols, and in my opinion, the best ever pound-for-pound fighter from Scandinavia. Since I started in boxing, I’ve been aiming for the stars and I would love to reach the same heights as Mikkel.’’

First, he must concentrate on claiming his third professional victory when he returns to the ring at the Rosvalla Arena in Nyköping.

‘’I’m really looking forward to fighting again,’’ says Henriksson.’’ It’s been nearly 12 months since my last fight, and I will be coming to the ring stronger than ever. It will be my third fight in Nyköping, and I love the crowd and the atmosphere there. The fans can expect a hard fight and a great performance. I’m coming to give it my all!’’

Henriksson fights on the undercard of Erik Skoglund’s WBA International Light Heavyweight title bout with Timy Shala, which also features the Swedish Light Heavyweight Championship clash between Naim Terbunja and Sven Fornling, Mikaela Laurén’s comeback and rising stars Daniel Hartvig and Patricia Berghult.

Tickets are available online via www.biljettforum.se or by calling 0771-130 150. All the action will be shown live and exclusive in Scandinavia on Viaplay Fighting. For more information please visit www.viaplay.se.