Sweden
Swedish WBA champ defends Intercontinental Title on Saturday: “Not far from a World Title if I win”
Linn Sandström will defend her WBA title. Photo via Instagram (@sandstromboxer)
On Saturday May 26 Swedish pro boxer Linn Sandström will defend her WBA super flyweight intercontinental title bout for the first time, as she takes on Venezuela’s Johana Zuniga at ABP Fight Night 9 in Malmö, Sweden.
Sandström and Zuniga were scheduled to clash twice before, in Costa Rica and Mexico, but the fight got cancelled both times due to visa problems of Zuniga.
In an exclusive interview with Frontkick, the champion opens up on finally defending her belt in her native Sweden.
“We knew that Armand Krajnc wanted us to fight at his event, and the fight it’s against the same opponent,” Sandström tells Frontkick. “We wanted Zuniga because she has a good record and is cleared by the WBA as a worthy opponent for my title defense.”
“It will be tons of fun to fight at an event like this. It’s a bit different, with a three-course dinner and red carpet, and it’s awesome that Viaplay broadcasts the card as well.”
Linn Sandström goes for the finish
Linn Sandström is a strong boxer for the super flyweight division and spent the majority of 2023 in camp in Los Angeles, California, where she sparred with some of the best in the world.
Come Saturday, she will be more than prepared for one of her toughest fights to date.
“Zuniga is really good and it will be an exciting fight. She’s tough, punches fast and likes to move backwards. I will have to put pressure on her from the start,” Sandström says. “I intend to finish her so there will be no uncertainty regarding a decision.”
Photo via Instagram (@sandstromboxer)
“I hope I will get a world title shot”
Ten fights into her professional boxing career, Sandström knows that a good win on Saturday would make a strong statement for a shot at the world title next.
“I was offered a fight against the reigning champion, and of course I agreed to it. But when I said yes she got cold feet and pulled out. I hope I will get a world title shot after I defend my belt on Saturday. I’m not far away from a world title if I win.”
Read more: ABP Fight Night 9 – Fight Card, Start Time & How to Watch
