Dina Thorslund (13-0, 6 KOs) defended her WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title with a unanimous points decision against Alesia Graf (29-8, 13 KOs) last night at the Struer Energi Park in Denmark, despite suffering a cut above her left eye following an accidental clash of heads in the seventh round.

The Danish champion produced a dominant display to earn her thirteenth professional win and first World title defence. Starting on the front foot, Thorslund pushed the German challenger back, dictating the pace and scoring heavy shots to the head and body throughout the early rounds.

An accidental clash of heads caused a cut above Thorslnd’s left eye in the seventh round, which threatened to disrupt her rhythm, but with her corner managing to stem the bleeding, the Danish fan-favourite soon regained her composure and finished the fight in style.

Judges Ferenc Budai and Jan Christensen scored a shutout 100-90 win for Thorslund, while judge Grzegorz Molenda scored 99-91 in favour of the Dane.

“It’s been a hectic week, but it has also been a fantastic week,” said Thorslund, who completed a bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy on Wednesday. “Two good experiences, two good results, which I’m glad I came through successfully. The build up to this week has been tough. It’s been a difficult period, but that just makes it even more worthwhile to get the victory today.

“I tried to keep a cool head. I was aggressive at the right times, and when I got cut, I didn’t risk opening up any more. I kept my distance, but still landed some good blows. I always want to stop my opponents, but that wasn’t necessary for me today. The important thing was that I won. I gave a good performance and gained some valuable experience, which I can take into bigger fights.

“I’ll start training again in the next couple of weeks, and I‘ll be ready to defend my WBO World title again when the time comes. It’s no secret that I would also like to collect the other belts in the division, and if Sarah Mahfoud decides she is ready to fight me, I would be more than happy to accept the challenge.”

“Dina is world class and she showed that again tonight by beating a very good opponent,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “It was a great performance. She can be really proud of herself. She is a true hero in Struer, and now, our aim is now to make her a true hero in Denmark and then in the rest of the world.

“What’s next for Dina? That’s the question. There’s been a lot of talk about her fighting Sarah Mahfoud. They say they want the fight, they use Dina’s name to promote their own events, but I’m not so sure. We will be making her promoter Mogens Palle a very good offer for Sarah to fight Dina, but I’m not expecting them to accept. I think it is quite clear that Dina is in a different class.”

On the undercard, Dennis Ceylan suffered a second stoppage defeat to Jesus Sachez for the EU Featherweight title, while Danish heavyweight hope Kem Ljungquist continued his unbeaten streak with a first-round knockout win over Boldizsar Balazs Czagler, and Abdul Khattab outpointed Swedish rival Oliver Flodin in an eight-round Scandinavian middleweight thriller.

Dina Thorslund (12-0, 6 KOs) and Alesia Graf (29-7, 13 KOs) both made weight today ahead of their WBO Female World Super Bantamweight Championship clash tomorrow night at the Struer Energi Park in Denmark.

Thorslund, who claimed the WBO World title with a unanimous points win over Yessica Munoz in August 2018, returns to her hometown arena to meet the tough German challenger Alesia Graf for the WBO crown.

The undefeated Dane has predicted a KO victory and an all action affair against Graf, who believes she has what it takes to bring the belt home to Germany.

WBO Female World Super Bantamweight Championship:
Dina Thorslund: 55.1 kg
Alesia Graf: 55.3 kg

Former European Champion Dennis Ceylan rematches Jesus Sanchez for the EU Featherweight tile following last year’s shocking second round KO defeat.

EBU European Union Featherweight Championship:
Dennis Ceylan: 57.1 kg
Jesus Sanchez: 56.2 kg

The ‘Double Trouble’ event features an action-packed undercard showcasing top Danish talents Kem Ljungquist, Mikkel Nielsen and Adam Bashanov. Oliver Flodin faces Abdul Khattab in a Scandinavian middleweight thriller, while veteran Lolenga Mock continues his World title chase against Mateo Damian Veron, and German heavyweight Albon Pervizaj returns to action.

Heavyweight – 8 Rounds:
Kem Ljungquist: 103 kg
Boldizar Balazs Czagler: 111.3 kg

Heavyweight – 8 Rounds:
Albon Pervizaj: 111.2 kg
Alain Banongo: 119.2 kg

Middleweight – 8 Rounds:
Oliver Flodin: 71.9 kg
Abdul Khattab: 72.5 kg

Super Middleweight – 8 Rounds:
Lolenga Mock: 75.7 kg
Mateo Damian Veron: 75.5 kg

Super Welterweight – 6 Rounds:
Mikkel Nielsen: 69.7 kg
Angel Emilov: 69.9 kg

Light Heavyweight – 4 Rounds:
Adam Bashanov: 79.5 kg
Ivan Nikolov: 77.8 kg

Bantamweight – 4 Rounds (x2 mins):
Alicia Holzken: 51 kg
Ivanka Ivanova: 50.9 kg

Super Middleweight – 4 Rounds:
Haris Dzindo: 76.5 kg
Giorgi Gogebashvili: TBC

All the action will be available to watch live on Viaplay, TV3 Max and TV3+ in Denmark and Sport1 in Germany. Limited tickets are still available via www.ticketmaster.dk or by calling (+45) 70 15 65 65.

Kem Ljungquist (6-0, 4 KOs) must face a new test as he returns to the ring on Saturday, January 19 at the Struer Energi Park on the undercard of Dina Thorslund’s WBO World Super Bantamweight title defence against Alesia Graf.

The Danish heavyweight hope will now meet undefeated Boldizsar Balazs Czagler (2-0, 2 KOs) following the withdrawal of his scheduled opponent Dominik Musil, who has been ruled out after breaking his nose in sparring.

“These things happen in boxing,” says Ljungquist. “I have no problem preparing for a new opponent. I’ll be ready. He is unbeaten now, but not after Saturday!”

The 28 year-old was last in action at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, where he recorded a second-round stoppage win over Egypt’s Mourad Omar.

In preparation for his seventh professional bout, Ljungquist has been in Berlin sparring top German heavyweight Albon Pervizaj, who also fights in Struer.

“I had some really good sparring with Albon,” he says. “We did many rounds together, and his coach Ulli Wegner told me I was big a talent. He also pointed out some things I need to work on, but it would be strange if I was perfect at this stage of my career, and it’s nice to get praise from such a big name.

“I’ve had great preparations for this fight in general, so I’m really looking forward to giving the fans in Struer a good performance on Saturday night!”

Dina Thorslund tops the bill in Struer, defending her WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title against Alesia Graf, while former European Champion Dennis Ceylan rematches Jesus Sanchez for the EU Featherweight crown.

Oliver Flodin faces Abdul Khattab in a Scandinavian middleweight thriller, heavyweight hope Kem Ljungquist takes on Dominik Musil, Lolenga Mock continues his World title chase against Mateo Damian Veron, Mikkel Nielsen meets Bulgaria’s Angel Emilov, and Adam Bashanov faces Ivan Nikolov.

Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.dk or by calling 70 15 65 65.

Thomas Madsen believes Dina Thorslund (12-0, 6 KOS) can secure a knockout win as she defends her WBO World Super Bantamweight title against Alesia Graf (29-7, 13 KOs) on January 19 at the Struer Energi Park in Denmark.

“Graf is an experienced boxer, who has met many good fighters in her career,” says Madsen. “She is tall and she throws good straight punches, but I don’t believe she is physically strong enough to resist Dina.”

Madsen insists his fighter is ready to go all ten rounds if required, but does not think it will be necessary for the hard-hitting World Champion, who has stopped six of her previous opponents inside the distance.

“Dina’s shape is good and she is ready to go ten hard rounds, but I hope she can knock Graf out. She must at least test Graf early with some power punches. I believe and hope for a KO victory,” says the Danish trainer.

Following an impressive 2018, Madsen has high hopes for the New Year: “It will be a great year where we chase even more success. We are looking to win more World titles and to unify the division, and that may mean fighting abroad.”

Dina Thorslund tops the bill in Struer, defending her WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title against Alesia Graf, while former European Champion Dennis Ceylan rematches Jesus Sanchez for the EU Featherweight crown.

Oliver Flodin faces Abdul Khattab in a Scandinavian middleweight thriller, heavyweight hope Kem Ljungquist takes on Dominik Musil, Lolenga Mock continues his World title chase against Mateo Damian Veron, Mikkel Nielsen meets Bulgaria’s Angel Emilov, and Adam Bashanov faces Ivan Nikolov.

Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.dk or by calling (+45) 70 15 65 65.

Lolenga Mock (42-15-1, 13 KOs) continues his World title chase on the undercard of Dina Thorslund’s WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title defence against Alesia Graf on January 19 at the Struer Energi Park.

“I’m looking forward to boxing in Struer,” said the 46-year-old super middleweight. “People always talk about my age, but I feel younger and younger, and more explosive than ever!

“In Struer, I want to show people that I’m still here. I’m still improving, and I look forward to showcasing these improvements on January 19.”

Mock last fought on September 15 in Ludwigshafen, where he suffered a narrow points defeat to Avni Yildirim in a WBC World title eliminator. Despite this debated decision, Mock has not given up hope of claiming World honours.

“I’m still chasing my dream of becoming World Champion. I’ve never given up,” says Mock, who is currently ranked number 12 with the WBC.

“After my fight in Struer, I’m heading for a big title fight later in 2019.”

An opponent for Mock will be announced shortly as the Aarhus-based Congolese boxer joins a stacked card at the Struer Energi Park on January 19.

Dina Thorslund defends her WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title against Germany’s Alesia Graf, while former European Champion Dennis Ceylan rematches Jesus Sanchez for the EU Featherweight crown.

Oliver Flodin faces Abdul Khattab in a Scandinavian middleweight thriller, heavyweight hope Kem Ljungquist takes on Dominik Musil, and Adam ‘The Wolf’ Bashanov meets Bulgaria’s Ivan Nikolov.

Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.dk or by calling (+45) 70 15 65 65.

Kem Ljungquist (6-0, 4 KOs) meets Dominik Musil (3-1, 2 KOs) on the undercard of Dina Thorslund’s WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title defence against Alesia Graf on January 19 at the Struer Energi Park.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring,” said the Danish heavyweight hope. “Musil is an exciting opponent, but he is one that I should be able to beat. I look forward to entertaining the fans in Struer!”

Ljungquist was last in action on September 28 in Jeddah, Saudia Arabia, as part of the World Boxing Super Series final between George Groves and Callum Smith, scoring a second-round stoppage against Egypt’s Morad Omar.

“It was a good fight for me and a great experience to be part of the World Boxing Super Series,” he says. “Morad Omar came to win, but I quickly found the right openings and was happy with the win.”

The 28 year-old has enjoyed a perfect 2018. Ljungquist has claimed five wins from five fights, and also acted as sparring partner for the returning Tyson Fury.

“It was a great experience to spar Fury,” said Ljungquist. “I know he has recommended me to other top heavyweights, and I hope he will call again.

“I feel I’m getting better by sparring with the best, and I’m getting matched harder and harder in my fights. In 2019, I look forward to developing more against even stronger opponents.”

The Herlev boxer calls himself his own worst critic, and while he admits he is still in the development phase, it is clear his eyes are on the prize.

“My motivation, to achieve something big in my career, is huge,” he says. “It’s a privilege to make a living from boxing and I would like to go all the way. I want to keep improving until I finally get the big fights for the big belts.

“It’s all about training hard, full throttle and living right. I have managed to do well so far and if I continue to do that, then the opportunities will come.”

Ljungquist’s eight round heavyweight clash with Musil is the latest addition to a stacked card in Struer. Dina Thorslund defends her WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title against Germany’s Alesia Graf, former European Champion Dennis Ceylan rematches Jesus Sanchez for the EU Featherweight crown, and Oliver Flodin faces Abdul Khattab in a Scandinavian middleweight thriller.

Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.dk or by calling (+45) 70 15 65 65.

Oliver Flodin (4-0) and Abdul Khattab (15-2-1, 4 KOs) are set for a Scandinavian showdown on the undercard of Dina Thorslund’s WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title defence against Alesia Graf on January 19 at the Struer Energi Park in Denmark.

Khattab, from Copenhagen, returns to the ring for the first time following his draw with Ronny Mittag on October 27, 2017 at the Sport and Congress Centre in Schwerin, and the 25 year-old is eager to prove he still has more to give in the professional ranks, starting with a victory over his Swedish rival Flodin.

“I’ve been keeping myself in top shape and waiting for the right opportunity,” says Khattab, who is trained by Danish boxing legend Mikkel Kessler. “That opportunity is here now, and I’m looking forward to a great fight on January 19.

“Of course, there is always something extra when a Danish fighter meets a Swede. It gives me even more motivation, and I’m sure it will make for a great atmosphere. I have no doubt that my hand will be raised after the final bell.

“I’ve seen some of Flodin’s fights. He is a good young boxer, who is just starting to make his way as a professional. He was good amateur, but professional boxing is something completely different, and I am going to show him that.

“Fans can expect a good performance from me. I’m hungry, and I feel stronger than ever. I believe one hundred percent that I will beat Flodin, and then I’ll be ready for a title fight in 2019. The time for fun is over, I’m serious now!”

Flodin, the 22 year-old from Jonkoping, has impressed since joining the professional ranks, recording four unanimous points wins, his latest against Nikoloz Gvajava on June 2 at the Swiss Life Hall in Hannover.

The Swede can expect a significant step up at the Struer Energi Park, but says he believes this is Khattab’s ‘last chance’, and that his superior ring smarts will prove the difference in their eight-round middleweight clash.

“It’s going to be a war,” says Flodin. “This is Khattab’s last chance as a professional, but for me it’s just a great opportunity to climb the ladder.

“I have met and beat many Danes as an amateur, and it will be no different on January 19. I expect to be smarter than Khattab in the ring. I’ve watched him fight, I know he comes forward a lot, and that will suit my style perfectly.

“I have great ambitions for my boxing career, and once I’m finished with Khattab, my plan is to target a European title fight in the next two years.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland says he is looking forward to this fascinating showdown between these two promising Scandinavian fighters.

“We are pleased to present this spectacular Scandinavian showdown on January 19 in Struer, with much at stake for both boxers,” he says.

“For Oliver it’s a big step up, and for Abdul it’s a must win. It’s a dangerous fight for both, and fans can expect a great battle between Sweden and Denmark.”

Flodin versus Khattab is the latest addition to a stacked card in Struer. Local hero Dina Thorslund defends her WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title against Germany’s Alesia Graf, while former European Champion Dennis Ceylan rematches Jesus Sanchez for the EU Featherweight crown.

Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.dk or by calling (+45) 70 15 65 65.

Dina Thorslund (12-0, 6 KOs) defends her WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title against Alesia Graf (19-7, 13 KOs), while Dennis Ceylan (19-2-2, 8 KOs) rematches Jesus Sanchez (9-1, 2 KOs) for the European Union Featherweight title on January 19 at the Struer Energi Park in Denmark.

Thorslund returns to her hometown fortress for a fourth time to make the first defence of the WBO World title she claimed with a unanimous points win over Mexico’s Yessica Munoz at the Struer Energi Park on August 25.

The 25 year-old is currently Denmark’s only reigning World Champion, the first Dane to have won a World title since Mikkel Kessler, and only the second female in Danish boxing history to have achieved this success.

“This will be the fourth time I box in front of my fans in Struer,” says Thorslund. “It has been amazing every other time, and I hope it will be again. It is almost too much to hope for, but so far, the support has only improved each time. It’s hard to describe how much it means to have people in Struer to back me up.

“Alesia Graf is tall so she poses a different kind of challenge than I’m used to. She’s a good fighter, but let me make it clear: I’m not afraid of anyone!”

Graf, nicknamed ‘The Tigress’, from Stuttgart, Germany, has held versions of the World title in both the Super Flyweight and Super Bantamweight divisions, as well as challenging for the Bantamweight crown on three occasions. She is an experienced contender, who is confident of upsetting the home fighter.

“This is a big opportunity for me to fight for the WBO World title,” said Graf. “Dina is undefeated, which obviously says something about her, but I go into every fight with the intention to win, and this is no different. I will prepare as best as possible. It will be an exciting fight for sure, with me coming out on top.”

Having suffered a shock second-round knockout defeat to Sanchez at the Struer Energi Park on March 10, former European Champion Ceylan has the chance for revenge as he rematches his Spanish rival for EU title.

Ceylan has said it is ‘all or nothing’ as he looks to get his promising career back on track on January 19, stating a loss will result in his retirement.

“Sanchez caught me with a good shot last time, but that’s not going to happen again,” said Ceylan. “This time, I’m going to prove that I’m the better fighter. I’m not afraid of this guy. I want revenge. This fight is all or nothing for me. If I win, my career is back on track, but if I lose, I will retire.”

Sanchez returns to Denmark full of confidence following his knockout win, and has vowed to get the better of Ceylan for a third-time having reportedly schooled the Danish boxer in a sparring session prior to their first encounter.

“We sparred together in 2017 while you were training in Madrid, and I got the best out of you. We fought in Struer, and I knocked you out. The third time we meet, it will not be any different,” says the Spanish Champion.

“It’s always dangerous to predict a knockout because you risk looking for a big punch and opening yourself up for counters. Therefore, I am happy to simply predict a win – be it on points or inside the distance.”

“We’re delighted to be returning to the Struer Energi Park with another fantastic card,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “The atmosphere is always electric when Dina fights, and this time the fans can look forward to a double header of title fights with Dennis challenging for the EU Featherweight title.

“Dina’s star continues to rise, and I believe she is close to establishing herself as one of the best female fighters on the planet. Dennis has had a difficult twelve months, but now has the chance for redemption. By defeating Sanchez and claiming the EU title, he can get his career firmly back on track.”

Tickets for Double Trouble: Dina Thorslund vs. Alesia Graf and Dennis Ceylan vs. Jesus Sanchez are on sale now and available online via www.ticketmaster.dk or by calling (+45) 70 15 65 65.