In his first match after this summer's Olympics in Tokyo, it was an impressive victory for Värnamo BK's Agnes Alexiusson.
She defeated the German Lena Büchner via unanimous decision (3-0) in the 60-kilo class during the amateur international match that began Saturday's professional gala in Jönköping.
Alexiusson is one of Sweden's most deserving amateurs and tonight's match was her 159th in her career.
The merit list includes Swedish Championship gold as a senior, World Cup and European Championship gold as a junior and a bronze at the Youth Olympics.
She also came third in the 2019 European Games.
Now the big goal is the Olympics in Paris 2024.
"OS was a disappointment"
- It felt great to be back in the ring again.
Also fun to get boxing so close to my home ground in front of friends and family.
It feels great.
I often go to my matches internationally so I am very happy about that, she says to SVT Sport after the victory.
- The Olympics were a disappointment for me, so after that I took a much-needed break and did not box for a month, even though I kept doing other things.
I was tagged to be back today.
A good start to the next Olympic venture?
- Yes, it's a bit like that.
There are only two and a half years left until the next Olympics, so this was a bit like a nice revenge after Tokyo and a good start to the next venture.
Met Berghult 2012
The main number at Saturday's boxing gala in Jönköping is the World Cup match between undefeated professional Patricia Berghult and Swiss Olivia Belkacem.
Alexiusson and Berghult, then boxing for Höllvikens BK, actually met in an amateur match in 2012. It was the final of the Falken Cup in Gävle and that time Berghult won 3-0.
- Right!
I had almost forgotten that.
I have played so many matches, Alexiusson laughs.
You have chosen two different tracks in your careers, she as a professional and you with a focus on the Olympics.
- Yes, it feels great that we go to a match at the same gala even if we have chosen different tracks.
We trained together and traveled a lot during our youth and junior years, but now we have not been seen for several years so it will be great fun to see her tonight.
SEE ALSO: Patricia Berghult before the World Cup fight: "There will be fireworks"
Javascript is disabled
Javascript must be turned on to play video
Read more about browser support
The browser is not supported
SVT does not support playback in your browser.
We therefore recommend that you switch to a different browser.
Read more about browser support
Olivia Belkacem and Patricia Berghult during Friday's weigh-in in Jönköping.
Photo: SVT