Oleksandr Cherviak (15-4-1, 5 KOs) is full of confidence as he prepares to travel to Nyköping, Sweden to challenge Erik Skoglund (22-0, 11 KOs) for the IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight title on September 19.
‘’I’m coming to Sweden to win,’’ exclaims Cherviak. ‘’I‘m going to spoil Erik’s celebrations and take the IBF Intercontinental belt home to the Ukraine!’’
From humble beginnings, Cherviak has gone on to challenge for multiple titles, establishing himself as one of the top names in the light heavyweight division. Ahead of his historic title fight with Skoglund, the 36 year-old Ukrainian shares his thoughts on the upcoming bout and his plans to derail the young Swede’s promising career.
Q: What do you think of your opponent Erik Skoglund?
‘’I respect all my opponents because I know what it takes to be a professional fighter. Erik is still very young but already experienced for his age. He is physically strong and he good boxing skills. Like me he also fights with courage and desire. He is hungry for victory like a real Viking.’’
Q: How would you describe your boxing style?
‘’I would describe my boxing style as unorthodox, awkward and aggressive. My strategy for every fight depends on my opponent. I can adapt my style. I can be a boxer, a slugger, a counter-puncher or a pressure fighter – whatever is required. I always try to break up my opponent’s tempo and rhythm, pull them out of their comfort zone and finally make them frustrated and beaten.’’
Q: This will be the first major title fight in Sweden for over 40 years. Are you looking forward to being a part of such a historic night of boxing?
‘’Yes, definitely. It will be great chance for me to be a part of Scandinavian boxing history and to enjoy the Viking atmosphere. I’m also fighting for my family. I have four sons and one daughter, and I want to motivate them to make a success of their lives.’’
Q: Are you confident you can beat Erik Skoglund in his hometown?
‘’Yes, I’m coming to Sweden to win. I‘m going to spoil Erik’s celebrations and take the IBF Intercontinental belt home to the Ukraine. Maybe Erik and his team see me as another stepping-stone in his career, but they are wrong. This is going to be the toughest fight of his life!’’
Q: What type of fight can the Swedish fans expect on September 19?
‘’They can expect a classic clash with youth, energy and aspiration against experience, awkwardness and intricacy. I’m going to taste his capabilities in the ring and then surprise him with my unorthodox style of boxing and some home-prepared tricks.’’
Q: How have you been preparing for this fight?
‘’I‘m training in my native Kirovograd-City under the guidance of my coach Valeriy Chudin. He is not just a trainer but good friend of mine. We understand each other very well. We are the real deal!’’
Q: What will be the next step for you if you are able to beat Erik Skoglund on September 19?
‘’Every ambitious fighter wants to fight for World titles and I’m no different. Sergey Kovalev is top of my list. He has three World titles and definitely is the best boxer in the division right now. I want to test his iron fists and check myself against his huge might. Second is Adonis Stevenson the WBC belt-holder. He is second after Kovalev in the division and great puncher too. Next is Jurgen Braehmer. I want to fight him because of his WBA regular World title and his spectacular, open style, which is unusual for German boxers.’’
Tickets for Erik Skoglund’s IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Championship fight with Oleskandr Cherviak are available via biljettforum.se.
