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Exclusive interview: Sunniva Hofstad on U23 gold and the road ahead

Publicerat

9 december 2025

Sunniva Hofstad boxing interview Frontkick.online

Sunniva Hofstad. Photo via Instagram

In 2025, Norwegian boxer Sunniva Hofstad cemented her position as one of Europe’s most promising young boxers, and at the U23 European Boxing Championships in Budapest she crowned the year with a gold medal.

Hofstad entered the championship as a favorite in her first senior tournament, and had no problem handling the pressure and expectations.

In this exclusive feature, the young Norwegian boxer shares her thoughts on winning the gold medal and what lies ahead in her career.

”I actually entered the tournament with the same mindset I always have: focusing on my tasks,” Sunniva Hofstad tells Frontkick. ”No matter what people expect, for me it’s about stepping into the ring for myself, not for anyone else. I try to keep everything around me somewhat irrelevant and stay focused on being as well-prepared as possible and doing my job.”

Did you feel confident to win from the start, or did confidence grow during the tournament?

”The first fight in a tournament is always a bit more nerve-wracking. The tournament is still new, and you’re getting into the rhythm. I often feel more confident in the second fight. But I always enter the ring with a fundamental self-confidence, while also having great respect for what goes on in a boxing ring. Every fight lives its own life, and you have to be sharp no matter who’s in front of you. For me, it’s about treating each fight as a new fight, with full focus.”

”It’s a strength that I’m a dynamic boxer”

Before the final, Sunniva Hofstad didn’t know much about the Ukrainian opponent she was facing. However, adjusting tactics during a fight is something a fighter needs to practice, and the young Norwegian boxer has made it an important part of her game.

”It’s a strength that I’m a dynamic boxer who can fight in different ways. I’m confident in timing and distance, which makes it easier to adjust quickly,” Hofstad says.

”Before the final, we were mentally prepared for exactly that – that we could have a plan, but the fight might demand something different. That also makes you much more ready to adapt as soon as you see what’s actually needed. Sometimes it takes a little time to find the rhythm, but that’s a natural part of boxing, as opponents can change tactics at any time. It’s good training in being flexible.”

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Sunniva Hofstad. Photo via Instagram

Sunniva Hofstad looks forward to the European Championships

After a successful year, Sunniva Hofstad wants to compete in as many fights as possible in 2026. Her plan is to travel to the World Cups in Brazil, China, and Uzbekistan just generally go wherever she gets the most competition.

She will also continue her targeted training to build on what she’s already doing well. Currently, her team is collaborating with Uzbekistan to learn from their training methods.

”I have a coach from Uzbekistan visiting for two weeks, Hofstad says. ”It’s incredibly educational, and we can already see the small details that can further improve my training program, while also building on the foundation that’s already working well.”

What will be your most important event in 2026?

”The big goal for 2026 is the European Championships in Sofia in September. The fighters ranked 1 and 2 in the world are from Europe, so the level will be extremely high. I’m looking forward to stepping into the ring there and facing that level.”

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