Home Boxing News Karsten Roewer: Erik Skoglund can follow in Braehmer’s footsteps

Karsten Roewer: Erik Skoglund can follow in Braehmer’s footsteps

Erik Skoglund (19-0, 10 KOs) takes another step closer to realising his world title ambitions on Saturday night. The 22 year-old Swede makes the second defence of his European (EU) Light Heavyweight Title at the Blue Water Dokken in Esbjerg, Denmark against former Italian Champion Danilo D’Agata (12-1-1, 3 KOs).
 
In his corner is Karsten Roewer, the man responsible for guiding Juergen Braehmer to a second light heavyweight world title. We caught up with the renowned German coach to get his views on Skoglund’s next challenge.

Q: Erik Skoglund faces Danilo D’Agata at the Nordic Fight Night in Esbjerg. What do you think of D’Agata and what kind of fight can we expect to see on Saturday night?
 
KR: D’Agata is not a big puncher but he likes to use the distance and has an active jab. Erik has to take the initiative from the get-go and be ready for any counter attacks. Stick and move is the key to win vs. D’Agata. If Erik can mix in a good amount of body punches, I see the possibility for an early stoppage.
 
Q: How have you been preparing Erik for this fight?
 
KR: Like for every fight Erik did some of his roadwork and athletic training at home in Sweden before joining us in Germany. We then had a three-week training camp in Güstrow. D’Agata is quite a tall fighter so we brought in some sparring partners with a similar build.
 
Q: How has Erik progressed since first turning pro in 2010 and what has it been like to work with him for all these years and to see him develop?
 
KR: It’s a lot of fun to work with him. I see him progressing all the time. Erik is really determined to get better. He has also learned not to let his temperament guide his way inside the ring but to use the tactics we work on before a fight.
 
Q: What are Erik’s greatest strengths as a boxer?
 
KR: Most of it all it’s his diligence and desire to keep up fighting from the first to the last bell.
 
Q: You also train WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Juergen Braehmer do you believe Erik has what it takes to follow in Juergen’s footsteps and become a world champion?
 
KR: That’s what we are hoping for. All of my fighters have the aim and the talent to become world champions one day. If they would slip and be content with themselves they should stop fighting.
 
Tickets for the Nordic Fight Night in Esbjerg are available at billetten.dk.