Mikaela Laurén has set her sights on becoming the oldest world champion of all time.
But her comeback has not gone straight up.
Last night there was a draw at a gala in Gothenburg, against the British Jordan Barker-Porter.
When SVT Sport talks to Laurén the next day, she says that she is disappointed. Both about how the match developed, and the judges’ assessments.
– There wasn’t much to the match. There was no boxing, but more of a wrestling match and a hug party. That’s not why I was there at all, and I don’t think the judges went in and broke, but they let her hold, hold and hold, she says, and continues:
– It feels very sad.
“Must take one day at a time”
And the fact that she was not adjudged the winner could have serious consequences.
– If I had won this match, I already had a WC match planned. But then I had to have a win behind me, so now I actually don’t know how they feel about it, she says.
– I’m going to wait for them to get in touch, then we’ll see if it still works with a WC match. Otherwise, I actually have no idea, maybe it’s time to put the gloves on the shelf and spend time with the family instead and focus on other things?
So it could be that this was your last career match?
– That may actually be the case. We’ll simply have to see.
– I have to take one day at a time and see if the WC match offer stands up.
How would it feel if you quit?
– Sad, but at the same time: At some point you have to put the gloves on the shelf, and I’m turning 49 soon. I am still incredibly proud of myself and my effort, that I can step into the ring against a girl who yesterday was 18 years younger than me and perform as well and strongly as you do.