(SEPT 7) Tensions continue
to rise ahead of the Swedish super fight between Mikaela Laurén
(27-3, 12 KOs) and Klara Svensson (16-1, 5 KOs) on Saturday
night in Stockholm where the bitter rivals will battle it out
for the interim WBC Female World Welterweight title and a chance
to face female pound-for-pound number one Cecilia Brækhus.
At today’s final pre-fight press
conference, Laurén was left outraged when it was announced there
will be a coin toss tomorrow to decide who enters the ring
second. ‘’It’s a scandal,’’ she said. ‘’I’m a former five-time
World Champion, and we’re fighting in my hometown. It shouldn’t
even be up for discussion.’’
Svensson, meanwhile, sensing her
opponent’s discomfort, welcomed the news. ‘’I think a coin toss
will be fun,’’ she said. ‘’Although for me, it’s more important
who is left standing in the ring last, rather than who enters it
first.’’
The ‘Swedish Princess’ went on to
say that she expects their fight to live up to the hype and
warned Laurén to prepare for her toughest career challenge.
‘’Forget about all the drama and Mikaela’s silly games,’’ she
said. ‘’I want this to be a fight that people remember. It’s a
huge occasion for Swedish boxing and I’m sure it’s going to be a
great night for the fans.
''I’ve been training non-stop since May, and I couldn’t be
better prepared. Mikaela had better be ready for the fight of
her life.’’
When asked for his prediction, promoter Nisse Sauerland said it
was impossible to pick a winner, and instead focused on the
magnitude of the match-up.
‘’It’s a real 50-50 fight,’’ said Sauerland. ‘’And for me, it’s
impossible to tell what is going to happen on Saturday night.
That’s what makes this fight so interesting.
''It’s going to be the biggest fight between two Swedes since
Paolo Roberto fought Armand Kranjc, and this time it’s happening
at home!’’
As the press conference drew to a close, Laurén refused to do
the customary face-to-face photographs: ‘’I don’t want to be
anywhere near her, we can save that for the weigh-in.’’ And
instead, chose to end proceedings by giving Svensson a cake with
the numbers ’16-2’, alluding to the Malmö boxer’s record should
she lose on Saturday night.
‘’I was going to give this to you after the fight,’’ said Laurén.
‘’But I know you need to gain some weight so I thought I would
give it to you now!''
Svensson will be moving up a weight class to meet Laurén, the
WBC's World Super Welterweight Champion Emeritus, who is coming
down a division for this fight.
Tickets for the interim WBC Female World Welterweight title
fight between Mikaela Laurén and Klara Svensson on September 10
at the Hovet are available online via www.globearenas.se and
www.axs.com or by calling 0771-31 00 00.
