Swedish amateur star Henriksson makes pro debut on September 19

Swedish amateur star Hampus Henriksson will make his professional debut on September 19 on the undercard of Erik Skoglund’s IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight title defence against Oleksandr Cherviak at the Rosvalla Stora Ishallen at the Nyköpings Arenor in Nyköping, Sweden.

Inspired to start boxing after watching the ‘Rocky’ movies when he was 12 years old, Henriksson embarked on a successful amateur career, which saw the fighter from Flyinge become a three-time Swedish elite champion, a Nordic Youth Champion and represent the Swedish national team on over forty occasions including at the 2013 World Amateur Championships.

Having made the decision to join the paid ranks, Henriksson has high hopes for his professional career. ‘’My ambition is to be the best,’’ said the 21 year-old. ‘’I will not be pleased with anything else!’’ And is looking forward to starting his journey to the top.

‘’I can’t remember ever looking forward to anything as much as this,’’ said Henriksson. ‘’It’s an exciting time for Swedish boxing and happy to be a part of it. It’s going to be wonderful to make my debut on such a big show. I promise the fans the best performance I’ve ever made!

‘’The timing is right and I believe my style will be well suited to the professional game. I’m a physical fighter with good stamina and strong punches – that’s how I got my nickname Herkules. But I’m also smart in the ring and able to adjust quickly so that I get the best out of me and the worst out of my opponent!’’

In preparation for his professional bow, Henriksson has teamed up with renowned American coach Joey Gamache, joining Swedish boxers Klara Svensson and Otto Wallin at the former two-time world champion’s Copenhagen training base.

‘’Joey has such great knowledge,’’ said Henriksson. ‘’Training with him has really helped me a lot.  I already feel less tense and my defence is much better. The experience has been invaluable!’’

An opponent for Henriksson’s professional debut will be announced shortly. The young fighter joins a star-studded Swedish line-up on September 19 featuring Erik Skoglund’s IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Championship fight with Oleskandr Cherviak, Klara Svensson’s IBF Female World Light Welterweight Championship challenge against Marisa Gabriela Nunez, Anthony Yigit’s crunch light welterweight clash versus Chaquib Fadli and Otto Wallin’s heavyweight showdown with Vladimir Goncharov. Tickets are available via biljettforum.se.

(Photo: Lena Landin)