European News: Hampus Herniksson, Abdul Khattab

Hampus Herniksson (1-0, 1 KO) is eager to secure his second professional victory when he returns to the Rosvalla Arena in Nyköping, Sweden on December 19.
 
The former amateur star got his pro-career off to a flying start on September 19 claiming a first-round knockout over Ivan Sakic, and now, the 21 year-old from Flyinge is aiming for a second stoppage victory as he reveals his need to succeed.
 
‘’Success is like oxygen to me. I need it. It makes me feel alive,’’ says Henriksson.
 
‘’Since my last fight, I’ve been training really hard as I want to put on another great performance. I’m not satisfied with just winning. I want to give the fans something extra. On December 19, I’m looking for another stoppage!’’
 
Helping Henriksson prepare for his second paid bout is renowned American coach Joey Gamache, a former two-time World Champion, who is overseeing the young star’s development.
 
'‘Training with Joey has been going great,’’ reveals the super middleweight. ‘’Before my last fight, we didn’t have much time together. This time, we’ve had longer to prepare and practice new skills, and I can really feel the benefit. He’s a great trainer and he knows how to get the job done in the best way.’’
 
Promoter Nisse Sauerland admits he has been pleased with what he has seen from Swedish fighter so far. ‘’Hampus did well in his first fight,’’ said Sauerland. ‘’If he continues to work hard and follow Joey’s instructions, I’m sure he can go far.’’
 
An opponent for Henriksson will be announced shortly. He fights on the undercard of Erik Skoglund’s light heavyweight showdown with American KO specialist Derek Edwards, the only man to have beaten current Swedish World Champion Badou Jack.
 
The December 19 show also features Swedish fan favourite Anthony Yigit versus former Floyd Mayweather opponent DeMarcus ‘Chop Chop’ Corley, heavyweight hope Otto Wallin against the Serbian giant Samir Kurtagic, Oscar Ahlin taking on the tough Russian Varazdat Chernikov and rising Swedish stars Sven Fornling and Patricia Berghult.
 
All the action will be shown live on TV10 in Sweden. Tickets are available online via www.biljettforum.se or by calling (+46) 0771-130 150.

Abdul Khattab (12-1-0, 3 KOs) confronts a tough task when he faces the hard-hitting Francisco Cordero (31-4-0, 22 KOs) on December 12 at the Brondby Hallen in Copenhagen, Denmark.
 
Cordero is known as 'The Volcano', but despite his menacing nickname, Khattab is confident he can claim his thirteenth victory against the Columbian.
 
‘’He’s a good boxer and certainly experienced,’’ said Khattab about his 29-year-old opponent, who has scored an impressive 22 knockout victories. ‘’It will be a tough test but I believe I have what it takes to beat him. He is a big puncher but I’m not scared.’’
 
The talented Danish middleweight was last in action in September at the Arena Nord in Frederikshavn, where he claimed a unanimous points victory over Istvan Kiss, coming back came strongly after his first career defeat in May.
 
"I'm going to dominate my opponent and try to outsmart him. That is how it should be every time I enter the ring. I should have stopped Kiss in Frederikshavn, but I aim to succeed with that against in Brondby against Cordero,’’ said the 22 year-old.
 
"I want to got out and show that I’m a skilled boxer. There will be many people watching in the arena and on TV, so this is a chance for me to prove to people just how good I am. "
 
Limited tickets for Ondt Blod: Patrick Nielsen vs. Rudy Markussen are available online via www.billetlugen.dk or by calling (+45) 75 263 267. The fight will be shown live and exclusive on Pay-Per-View in Denmark. For more information on how to order please visit www.boksekampen.dk .