World Championships day 3: Several Swedes punch their ticket to the semis!

Astrid Vikgren dominates

Astrid Vikgren. Photo: IMMAF

Swedish strawweight Astrid Vikgren entered the competition as she took on Paulina Konik from Team Poland. Vikgren used her length and reach to keep her opponent at the end of her strikes, controlling the distance well and switching stances. No matter what Konik tried Vikgren seemed to be a step ahead, clearly controlling the fight an winning a comfortable decision.

She will now face the World silver medalist Guiliany Perea in the semifinals.

• Astrid Vikgren def. Paulina Konik via unanimous decision

Sebastian Palacio Gomez brutally stopped

Photo via Instagram

Sebastian Palacio Gomez took on Patrick Habirora Team Belgium in the welterweight quarterfinals.

In the even first round, Habirora came out swinging, landing a few good punches. The Swede worked for a takedown against the cage but didn’t get much damage done. In round two Palacio Gomez worked on a takedown but ”The Belgian Bomber” defended well before landing a heavy punch that knocked out the Swede.

Palacio Gomez should be proud of his run in the 2023 World Championships, with two solid first-round stoppage wins against Greece and Ireland.

• Patrick Habirora def. Sebastian Palacio Gomez via KO punch), round 2