“2014 will be a big year for Erik and for Swedish boxing,” promoter Nisse Sauerland said. “He really showed his class in the tough fight against Lolenga Mock. He´s got the skills and the heart to be something special, and a victory on January 18 will be the next step to the top.”

Skoglund is thrilled to be fighting at Arena Nord again. “It will be awesome to make my first title defence in Frederikshavn,” he said. “I have fought there three times and I have great memories. It´s not that far from Sweden either, so I hope for an amazing atmosphere. It was unbelievable in my last fight against Mock in Kolding and I really needed the support from the crowd that night. I will once again be prepared for twelve rounds of tough boxing. I will be in the shape of my life.”

Also in action will be WBA, WBC and WBO Female Welterweight Champion Cecilia Braekhus (23-0, 7 KOs), the pound-for-pound number one, and rising Danish Olympian Dennis Ceylan (9-0, 5 KOs). “We are thrilled to come back to Frederikshavn,” promoter Nisse Sauerland said. “Arena Nord will once again be a melting pot for Norwegian, Swedish and Danish boxing fans. Cecilia, Erik and Dennis are at different stages of their careers but their combined record of 50-0 speaks for itself. Let´s hope the 0 won´t go.”

Per Malmberg, CEO of Arena Nord, is looking forward to a spectacular boxing event. “We are delighted to host the first Nordic Fight Night of the new year,” he said. “Arena Nord is ready for yet another great night of boxing.”

Tickets are available at http://www.arenanord.dk. More information about the opponents and the undercard will be announced shortly.