Erik Skoglund (boxer)

Erik Skoglund (born 24 May 1991) is a Swedish professional boxer. He held the European Union light-heavyweight title between 2013 and 2014, successfully defending it three times before vacating it.[1] In 2017, Skoglund participated in the World Boxing Super Series, losing to Callum Smith in the super-middleweight quarter-finals.

Erik Skoglund
Statistics
Real nameJohan Erik Skoglund
Nickname(s)Swedish Sensation
Weight(s)
Height1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
NationalitySwedish
Born (1991-05-24) 24 May 1991
Vårdinge, Sweden
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights27
Wins26
Wins by KO12
Losses1
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
Representing  Sweden
Strandzha Cup
Bronze medal – third place Plovdiv 2009 Light heavyweight
Swedish National Championships
Silver medal – second place 2007 Sundsvall Welterweight
Silver medal – second place 2008 Boden Middleweight
Gold medal – first place 2009 Lund Light heavyweight

Amateur career

Skoglund started his boxing career in 2002, at the age of 11. He won the Swedish youth national championship in 2006 and the junior championship in 2007,[2] as well as taking the second place at senior level the same year 2007, at the age of 15.[3] In 2008 he again finished in second place on the senior national championship, after losing the final to fellow rising star and future world champion Badou Jack.[4] He also won the Nordic junior championship that year.[5] In 2009 he won the national and Nordic championships at senior level.[6][7]

He turned professional in 2010, after an amateur career with a record of 78-35-1.[8]

Professional boxing career

Early career

Skoglund signed with Sauerland Promotion at the start of his career.[9]

Skoglund had 15 fights between his February 2010 debut and February 2013, all held in Germany, Denmark and Finland. He was victorious in all of them, 9 by KO/TKO and 6 by decision.[10]

In his 16th fight, Skoglund got his first opportunity for a championship, when he faced fellow undefeated prospect Luke Blackledge (13-0-1, 5 KO's) on April 13, 2013, for both the WBC Youth World light heavyweight and the WBO Youth Intercontinental light heavyweight titles.[11] He won the fight by unanimous decision (96-95, 97–93, 96–94).[12]

Skoglund then took on Lorenzo Di Giacomo in an 8-round non-title fight, on June 15, 2013.[13] Skoglund won the fight by unanimous decision (80-72, 80–72, 80–72).[14]

European Union light heavyweight champion

On October 19, 2013, Skoglund fought veteran Lolenga Mock for the EBU-EU light heavyweight title.[15] Initially Skoglund's opponent was expected to be Enzo Maccarinelli.[16] However, Maccarinelli was injured and had to be replaced by Mock.[17] Despite being caught and wobbled against the ropes in the third round, Skoglund recovered fast and rallied back to win the fight by unanimous decision (118-110, 117–110, 116–112) after 12 rounds.[18][19]

In his first defense of his European title, Skoglund took on Adasat Rodriguez on February 1, 2014.[20] After a dominant performance, and well ahead on the scorecards, Skoglund won the fight by TKO in round 12.[21]

Skoglund's second title defense came against Danilo D’Agata on April 12, 2014.[22] He won the fight by TKO in round 9.[23]

On September 13, 2014, Skoglund fought Stefano Abatangelo for his third defense of his European title as well as for the vacant IBF Inter-Continental light heavyweight title.[24] He was victorious by unanimous decision (118-109, 120–106, 118–108).[25]

After three successful title defenses, Skoglund vacated his EBU-EU title in October, 2013, to pursue a world title.[26]

International titles

On December 13, 2014, Skoglund faced veteran Glen Johnson in a non-title fight.[27] He won the fight by unanimous decision after 10 rounds (97-93, 98–92, 97–93).[28]

In February, 2015 it was revealed that Skoglund was set to undergo surgery for a back injury, which would put him out from competition for six months.[29]

Skoglund returned to defend his IBF Inter-Continental light heavyweight title against Oleksandr Cherviak on September 19, 2015.[30] This marked the first time in his pro career that Skoglund fought in his native Sweden. This was also the first time a male boxing fight for a major title took place in Sweden since the ban on professional boxing in 1969, which was lifted in 2006.[31] Skoglund defended his title by unanimous decision (120-108, 120–108, 119–109).[32][33]

He fought Derek Edwards in a 10-round non-title fight on December 19, 2015,[34] which he won by unanimous decision (99-92, 100–90, 99–91).[35]

On April 23, 2016, Skoglund fought Ryno Liebenberg (17-2, 11 KO's) for the vacant IBO International light heavyweight title.[36] He won the fight by unanimous decision (117-111, 117–111, 115–113).[37]

In his next fight, Skoglund fought for another minor belt, the vacant WBA International light heavyweight title, against Shpetim Shala (21-1-1, 8 KO's). The bout was first expected to take place on October 28, 2016, but was later postponed to December 9, 2016.[38] Skoglund won the fight by knockout, after dropping Shala three times, all in round 11.[39][40]

World Boxing Super Series

On 28 July 2017, it was confirmed that Skoglund would drop down to super-middleweight to join the inaugural World Boxing Super Series,[41] where the winner would receive a prize money and the Muhammad Ali Trophy. Other participants in the tournament included WBA champion George Groves, IBO champion Chris Eubank Jr., WBC #1 contender Callum Smith, former world title holder Juergen Braehmer and undefeated contenders Robert Brant, Avni Yildirim and Jamie Cox.[42]

Skoglund vs. Smith

At the draft Gala, which took place at the famous Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, Skoglund was chosen by Callum Smith (22-0, 17 KO's) in the quarter-finals.[43] Smith, who was second-seeded for the tournament, said he felt Skoglund was 'stylistically the best fight' for him. Smith also admitted that, on paper, Skoglund was the best boxer he had been scheduled against.[44] The fight was the inaugural bout of the super middleweight tournament. The WBC announced that the fight would be for their Diamond belt.[45]

The fight took place on September 16, 2017, at Echo Arena in Smith's hometown, Liverpool. Smith beat Skoglund by unanimous decision to win one of four quarter-finals in front of his home crowd in Liverpool. The officials scored the fight 116–112, 117–110 and 117–111 all in favor of Smith. Early on, the fight appeared to be a mismatch with Smith outclassing his opponent. However, Skoglund got himself into the fight in the middle rounds behind his consistent jab and head movement, giving Smith a bloody nose. Smith would make his own surge late in the fight, scoring a knockdown in round 11 and earning a unanimous decision.[46][47]

Injury

In November 2017, Matchroom Boxing announced that Skoglund would face Commonwealth champion Rocky Fielding (25-1, 14 KO's) on December for the WBC Silver super middleweight title, in the undercard of Bellew-Haye II.[48] The event was scrapped after Haye suffered an injury.[49]

On 8 December 2017, Skoglund suffered a brain hemorrhage during a sparring session in his hometown, Nyköping. He was put into a medically induced coma and had surgery.[50][51] Skoglund was awakened from the coma in January 2018 and was seen responsive and walking with the help of a crutch. A tweet was posted to his Twitter account which read "Finally back where I belong. Thanks for all the support I really need it. Will speak more about what happened when I’m ready."[52] Skoglund will undergo extensive, long-term rehab. The incident is being investigated by the Swedish Work Environment Authority. Professional boxing is under strict supervision in Sweden and was banned until 2006.[53]

In June, 2019, Skoglund appeared in London as a corner man for his teammate Anthony Yigit who was fighting on June 28. Skoglund had also been in Yigit's corner in Frankfurt a month earlier.[54] In an interview Skoglund gave an update on his health status, claiming that he was back in fitness training and rehabilitation, doing better each day, even if he still didn't feel completely recovered.[55]

Professional boxing record

27 fights 26 wins 1 loss
By knockout 12 0
By decision 14 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
27 Loss 26–1 United Kingdom Callum Smith UD 12 16 Sep 2017 United Kingdom Echo Arena, Liverpool, England World Boxing Super Series: super-middleweight quarter final
26 Win26–0Albania Shpetim Shala KO 11 (12), 2:51 9 Dec 2016 Sweden Rosvalla Arena, Nyköping, Sweden Won vacant WBA International light heavyweight title
25 Win25–0South Africa Ryno Liebenberg UD 12 23 Apr 2016 Sweden Hovet, Stockholm, Sweden Won vacant IBO International light heavyweight title
24 Win24–0United States Derek Edwards UD 10 19 Dec 2015 Sweden Rosvalla Arena, Nyköping, Sweden
23 Win23–0Ukraine Oleksandr Cherviak UD 12 19 Sep 2015 Sweden Rosvalla Arena, Nyköping, Sweden Retained IBF Inter-Continental light heavyweight title
22 Win22–0Jamaica Glen Johnson UD 10 13 Dec 2014 Denmark MusikTeatret, Albertslund, Denmark
21 Win21–0Italy Stefano Abatangelo UD 12 13 Sep 2014 Denmark TAP 1, Copenhagen, Denmark Retained EBU-EU light heavyweight title
Won IBF Inter-Continental light heavyweight title
20 Win20–0Italy Danilo D'Agata TKO 9 (12), 2:57 12 Apr 2014 Denmark Blue Water Dokken, Esbjerg, Denmark Retained EBU-EU light heavyweight title
19 Win19–0Spain Adasat Rodriguez TKO 12 (12), 0:58 1 Feb 2014 Denmark Arena Nord, Frederikshavn, Denmark Retained EBU-EU light heavyweight title
18 Win18–0Denmark Lolenga Mock UD 12 19 Oct 2013 Denmark Sydbank Arena, Kolding, Denmark Won EBU-EU light heavyweight title
17 Win17–0Italy Lorenzo Di Giacomo UD 8 15 Jun 2013 Denmark Ceres Arena, Aarhus, Denmark
16 Win16–0United Kingdom Luke Blackledge UD 10 13 Apr 2013 Denmark Arena Nord, Frederikshavn, Denmark Won WBC Youth and WBO Youth Intercontinental light heavyweight titles
15 Win15–0Hungary Attila Baran TKO 2 (10), 2:02 9 Feb 2013 Denmark Blue Water Dokken, Esbjerg, Denmark
14 Win14–0United Kingdom Joe Ainscough TKO 3 (8), 0:15 8 Dec 2012 Denmark Jyske Bank Boxen, Herning, Denmark
13 Win13–0Hungary Gyorgy Marosi TKO 1 (8), 2:59 10 Nov 2012 Finland Helsinki Ice Hall, Helsinki, Finland
12 Win12–0Russia Ivan Maslov UD 8 22 Sep 2012 Denmark Arena Nord, Frederikshavn, Denmark
11 Win11–0France Fouad Nasri KO 2 (6), 0:42 2 Jun 2012 Denmark Herning Kongrescenter, Herning, Denmark
10 Win10–0Argentina Pablo Sosa UD 8 19 May 2012 Denmark Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark
9 Win9–0Italy Alberto Antenucci KO 2 (8), 2:05 21 Apr 2012 Denmark Arena Nord, Frederikshavn, Denmark
8 Win8–0Spain Juan Nelongo KO 4 (6), 0:36 18 Feb 2012 Denmark Brøndbyhallen, Brøndby, Denmark
7 Win7–0Morocco Amine Blali UD 4 3 Dec 2011 Finland Hartwall Arena, Helsinki, Finland
6 Win6–0Ukraine Volodymyr Borovskyy UD 6 7 May 2011 Germany Jahnsportforum, Neubrandenburg, Germany
5 Win5–0Latvia Valerijs Rogozins TKO 1 (4), 1:47 12 Feb 2011 Germany RWE-Rhein-Ruhr Sporthalle, Mülheim, Germany
4 Win4–0Serbia Mile Nikolic TKO 1 (4), 3:00 18 Dec 2010 Germany Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany
3 Win3–0Serbia Vladimir Spasojevic UD 4 20 Nov 2010 Denmark Herning Kongrescenter, Herning, Denmark
2 Win2–0Germany Sladko Cizicz KO 2 (4), 0:44 15 May 2010 Denmark Herning Kongrescenter, Herning, Denmark
1 1–0 Hungary Istvan Laboda UD 4 1 May 2010 Germany Weser-Ems-Halle, Oldenburg, Germany

References

  1. "Skoglund vacates European belt". fightnews.com. 2014-10-13. Archived from the original on 2016-12-20. Retrieved 2016-12-12.
  2. "Sweden2007j".
  3. "Sweden2007".
  4. "Sweden2008".
  5. "Fakta om Erik".
  6. "Swedish Nationals 2009".
  7. "Fakta om Erik".
  8. "Erik Skoglund". sauerlandpromotion.com.
  9. "Fakta om Erik".
  10. "Skoglund ännu obesegrad som proffs (Swedish) / Skoglund still undefeated as a pro". svt.se. 2013-02-10.
  11. "Luke Blackledge-Erik Skoglund in Play For April 13th". boxingscene.com. 2013-03-23.
  12. "Braekhus stops St. John, Masternak and Skoglund win". sauerlandpromotion.com. 2013-04-14.
  13. "Erik Skoglund-Lorenzo Di Giacomo Clash on June 15". boxingscene.com. 2013-05-15.
  14. "Skoglund imponerade – trots skadat finger (Swedish) / Skoglund looked impressive – despite injured finger". mrringside.se. 2013-06-15.
  15. "Erik Skoglund faces Lolenga Mock on October 19th". boxingnews24.com. 2013-09-19.
  16. "Skoglund vs. Maccarinelli in Play For EU Title Bout". boxingscene.com. 2013-07-03.
  17. "Maccarinelli Withdraws, Skoglund vs. Mock Now in Play". boxingscene.com. 2013-07-09.
  18. "Erik Skoglund is the new EU champion". sauerlandpromotion.com. 2013-10-20.
  19. "Erik Skoglund decisions Mock, Keller beats Pryce". boxingscene.com. 2013-10-19.
  20. "Erik Skoglund defends against Adasat Rodriguez on Saturday (February 1)". boxingnews24.com. 2014-01-30.
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  22. "Skoglund to defend his European title against D'Agata in Esbjerg". proboxinginsider.com. 2014-03-03.
  23. "Skoglund retains European (EU) light heavyweight title". sauerlandpromotion.com. 2014-04-14.
  24. "Skoglund-Abatangelo deal is reached for showdown". boxingscene.com. 2014-05-09.
  25. "Braekhus unifies division, Svensson and Skoglund claim titles". fightkings.com. 2014-09-20.
  26. "Skoglund vacates European belt, looks to secure world title shot in 2015". proboxinginsider.com. 2014-10-13.
  27. "Glen Johnson vs Erik Skoglund set for Dec 13". boxingnews24.com. 2014-11-04.
  28. "Skoglund defeats Johnson, Nielsen brothers back with wins". proboxinginsider.com. 2014-12-16.
  29. "Erik Skoglund getting back surgery, out six months". boxingscene.com. 2015-02-03.
  30. "Skoglund vs. Cherviak set for historic bout on 9/19". boxingscene.com. 2015-07-17.
  31. "Skoglund set for historic title defense in Sweden". proboxinginsider.com. 2015-07-17.
  32. "Skoglund retains IBF title in historic homecoming". fightnetwork.com. 2015-09-20.
  33. "Skoglund defeats Oleksandr Cherviak". boxingnews24.com. 2015-09-19.
  34. "Skoglund faces American KO star Edwards on December 19 in Nyköping". proboxinginsider.com. 2015-11-02.
  35. "Skoglund conquers Edwards, remains undefeated". boxingnews24.com. 2015-12-19.
  36. "Erik Skoglund vs. Ryno Liebenberg collision for April 23". boxingscene.com. 2016-03-17.
  37. "Erik Skoglund decisions Ryno Liebenberg, wins IBO strap". boxingscene.com. 2016-04-23.
  38. "WBA title fight Skoglund-Shala rescheduled for December 9". fightnews.com. 2016-09-27. Archived from the original on 2017-02-11. Retrieved 2017-02-09.
  39. "Team Sauerland: WBA International Light Heavyweight Title: Skoglund vs. Shala | Fight Network". fightnetwork.com. Archived from the original on 2017-02-11.
  40. "Erik Skoglund get KO victory, Sven Formling, Mikaela Laurén win". boxingscene.com. 2016-12-09.
  41. "Erik Skoglund and Jamie Cox join World Boxing Super Series". boxingnews24.com. 2017-06-28.
  42. "Eubank-Abraham winner to fill final spot of World Boxing Super Series". espn.com. 2017-07-07.
  43. "Smith to meet Skoglund in inaugural World Boxing Super Series". liverpoolecho.co.uk. 2017-07-09.
  44. "Callum Smith-Erik Skoglund to kick off World Boxing Super Series on Sept. 16". espn.com. 2017-07-20.
  45. "Smith to fight Skoglund for WBC Diamond belt as WBSS draw is set". worldboxingnews.net. 2017-07-09.
  46. "SMITH: "I'M IN THIS TOURNAMENT TO WIN IT"". World Boxing Super Series. 21 September 2017. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
  47. "World Boxing Super Series results: Callum Smith beats Erik Skoglund to advance". Bad Left Hook. 16 September 2017. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
  48. "Bellew vs Haye II: Rocky Fielding to face Erik Skoglund on undercard". November 2017.
  49. "Kell Brook to Return on March 3 in Sheffield". 6 December 2017.
  50. "Skoglund Suffers Sparring Injury, Dimitrenko's Opponent Falls Out". 9 December 2017.
  51. "Boxer placed in coma with bleed on the brain three months after Liverpool fight". Daily Mirror. 9 December 2017.
  52. @skoglund_erik (16 January 2018). "Finally back where I belong. Thanks for all the support I really need it. Will speak more about what happened when…" (Tweet) via Twitter.
  53. "Euro News: Skoglund, Koelling, Haertel, Kiko Martinez, de Carolis". 20 January 2018.
  54. "Erik Skoglund returns to boxing, cornering for Anthony Yigit in Frankfurt". worldboxingnews.net. 2019-05-02.
  55. "ERIK SKOGLUND OPENS UP ON BRAIN INJURY, COMA, REHABILITATION, ROAD TO RECOVERY & FUTURE PLANS". Boxing Social on Youtube.com. 2019-06-27.
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