Swedish boxing star Klara Svensson (17-2, 5 KOs) will make her long-awaited ring return on Saturday in an eight-round welterweight contest against Mari Tatunashvili (2-1-2, 1 KO) at the Inselparkhalle in Hamburg, Germany.
The 30 year-old from Malmo has been out action following her World title loss to Unified Welterweight Champion Cecilia Brækhus in Oslo on February 23, 2017.
Svensson has since moved to Berlin where she has joined forces with Brækhus’ former coaches Ulli Wegner and Georg Bramowski, and says she is now ready for a 'new beginning' as she targets a rematch with the Norwegian champion.
“I’m eager to get back under the limelight,” said Svensson. “After the Brækhus fight, I decided to take some time off, but now I'm ready to come back. I’ve made some changes and I have a new team around me so this really feels like a new beginning.
“I’ve always enjoyed boxing in Germany, and Hamburg is where I started my professional career so it feels right that this fight is happening here. I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and testing out some of the new things we've been working on in the gym.
“With Georg and Ulli, I feel I have found the perfect pair to train me. I can see why they are so highly regarded and how they have developed so many World Champions over the year. I’m really enjoying the training and the structure I’m getting with them in Berlin."
While Svensson must maintain her focus on Saturday’s opponent, she admits her ultimate aim is a return fight with the ‘First Lady’. “I want the rematch with Cecilia. That’s my number one goal," she says. "I don’t want to make excuses, but I know I didn’t perform as well as I could that night, and I would love the chance to set the record straight.”
Svensson meets Tatunashvili on the undercard of the WBA World Super Middleweight Championship rematch between Tyron Zeuge and Isaac Ekpo at the Inselparkhalle in Hamburg. Swedish fans can watch all the action live on Viaplay Fighting.
Rocco Wadell (4-0, 2 KOs) says he is looking forward to fighting in Sundsvall for a second time on April 21 as the Timra-boxer takes on Antonio Petrov (4-5).
The 24 year-old will be boxing on the undercard of the Swedish super fight between heavyweight rivals Otto Wallin and Adrian Granat, and will meet his Bulgarian opponent Petrov over four-rounds in the super middleweight division.
“I’m really looking forward to fighting in Sundsvall again,” said Wadell, who recorded a unanimous points win over Petr Chmelik in his second professional contest last April in the 'Stone City'. “It is always a bit more special fighting at home. I had a lot of people come and support me last time, and I expect an even bigger crowd this time round.”
Wadell is also promising a better performance. ‘The Rock’ reveals he has had an excellent training camp and says he will be entering the ring in optimum condition.
“I have never in my life trained as hard and as well as I have for the last few months," he says. "Also without any injuries, which has made me more focused than ever. It's going to be a great fight, and I'm going to be in the best shape of my life come April 21!"
Wadell versus Petrov is the latest fight confirmed for an action-packed Nordic Fight Night at the Gärdehov in Sundsvall. Heavyweight rivals Otto Wallin and Adrian Granat meet in a grudge match for the European Union title, Mikaela Lauren challenges the undefeated Verena Kaiser for the IBO Female World Super Welterweight strap, and Sven Fornling defends his IBF Baltic Light Heavyweight belt against Karel Horejsek.
Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.se or by calling 077-170 70 70.