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(MAR 19)
Described as the “Swedish Sensation”, super middleweight Asa Sandell (2-0)
returns to Nevada for the second fight in the all women’s boxing series “A
Ring of Their Own”, March 26 at Harrah’s in Laughlin. After the debut fight
of the “Ring of Their Own “ series, I described Asa as “ cool, calm, tough
and tactical” in my post fight “Green Room” column. She can slug, she can
box, she has a hell of a jab, and had an answer for everything her opponent
Bose Ijoala threw at her, winning a unanimous decision. Asa visited with me
briefly before returning to the United States from Sweden, and discussed her
next fight. During our visit, I learned a bit more about this highly touted
fighter.
AG: your composure and skill in the ring
certainly reflects an extensive background. How many amateur fights did you
have, and what amateur titles do you hold?
ASA SANDELL: I had 22 amateur fights, and I lost one. I was Swedish
champion four or five times, and European Champion in 2000.
AG: Explain this to me correctly--women’s pro boxing is banned or
forbidden in Sweden?
ASA SANDELL: Pro boxing is forbidden in Sweden, BOTH for men and women.
The law stems from the sixties.
AG: tell me something about your education, career and background in
addition to women’s boxing.
ASA SANDELL: I am a journalist, working as an editor at the culture
department at a Swedish newspaper called Helsingborgs Dagblad. I studied for
five years at the university, and I have a degree in Literature and
Journalism. Asa spends
the majority of her time training in Sweden with her trainer Bert V.
Johansson, who she’s trained with since starting out in 1995, at the Winning
Boxing Club in Malmo, Sweden. When Asa travels to New York to train, Lennox
Blackmore is her trainer and also works her corner stateside. Her other
plans for 2005 will certainly keep both trainers busy.
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ASA SANDELL: The fight coming up in March
will be my second fight this year. If possible I would like to have 4-5
fights more this year. And of course, eventually I want to fight Laila Ali.
“A Ring of Their Own” promoter Arnie “Tokyo” Rosenthal” echoes the Swedish
fighters sentiment: "Asa Sandell is the best pure female fighter I've ever
seen for having only 2 pro fights. She’s six months away from challenging
Ali if she stays on course."
AG: how does it feel to be part of such an exclusive series with “A Ring
of Their Own”?
ASA SANDELL: I’m happy about it and I welcome the concept. I think
its great that we get
a ring of our own.
On March 26, Asa will face her toughest professional opponent so far in
Yolanda Swindell, (3-2), who has fought veterans like Valerie Mahfood.
Asa’s thoughts on her next fight?
ASA SANDELL: I am looking forward to the fight and to do a great
performance in the ring!
So are we! Six rounds between Asa Sandell and Yolanda Swindell will be an
action packed fight at Harrah’s. If promoter Arnie Rosenthal’s predictions
should hold true, Asa Sandell could take her place in Swedish and world
boxing history alongside former Heavyweight Champ Ingemar Johannson, who won
the World Heavyweight title in 1960 over Floyd Patterson, in a fight that
earned 1960 the Ring Magazine “Fight of The Year” award.
For boxing fans that are looking forward to seeing this event, call
1-702-298-4600 or for ticket information or get your tickets at Harrah’s
Laughlin box office. |
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