Erik Skoglund (22-0, 11 KOs) and Oleksandr Cherviak (15-4-1, 5 KOs) came face-to-face for the first time at today’s media training in Nyköping, Sweden ahead of their historic IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight title fight on Saturday night at the Rosvalla Stora Ishallen at the Nyköpings Arenor.

 

Skoglund, the reigning champion, defends the IBF strap in his hometown arena, and the 24 year old, who says he has had the ‘perfect preparation’, is counting on local support to give him the edge over his Ukrainian opponent.

 

‘’I’ve had the perfect preparations and I feel great,’’ said Skoglund. ‘’Honestly, things could not have gone better. I’m in good shape, and now the hard work is done and I’m ready to defend my title on Saturday night.

 

‘’I’ve seen Cherviak fight many times and I’ve watched him beat up my former colleague Dustin Dirks, so I know what to expect, and I know I have what it takes to beat him.

 

‘‘I’m going to have a lot of support inside the arena and they are going to be making a lot of noise. That gives me more motivation to go out there and perform to the best of my ability. I’m really looking forward it!’’

 

The challenger Cherviak, who arrived in Nyköping today, plans to spoil the Skoglund’s celebrations, and following a tough training camp, is confident he can derail the young Swede’s promising career.

 

‘’I’m looking forward to this fight,’’ said Cherviak. ‘’I’ve been training in my hometown of Kirovograd, and then I travelled to Kiev for some quality sparring with my K2 teammates.

 

‘’I’ve done everything possible to make sure I’m in top shape, everything a professional boxer should do to prepare for such an important fight. Of course, I’m confident. I wouldn’t have come here if I didn’t think I could win. I’ve come here to take the title!’’

 

Tickets for Erik Skoglund’s IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Championship fight with Oleskandr Cherviak are available via biljettforum.se. All of the action will be shown live on TV10 in Sweden.