It`s a moment woven with threads of triumph, nostalgia, and the quiet resolve of an era drawing to a close. In Lillestrøm, Norway, the boxing world prepares to witness the final chapter of one of its most compelling stories: the career of Cecilia Braekhus, the undisputed “First Lady” of the sport. As the formidable Ema Kozin stands opposite her for the WBC and WBO super-welterweight titles, this isn`t merely another fight; it`s a carefully chosen farewell, a testament to a legacy that reshaped women`s boxing.
The Unseen Battle: Emotions Outside the Ropes
For 44-year-old Braekhus, the approaching final bell rings with a mix of emotions. “Of course, there are a lot of emotions,” she shares, “Some sad, some happy. It`s goodbye to a sport that I have been in for many years.” It`s a sentiment many athletes understand – the bittersweet relinquishing of a life-defining pursuit. Yet, Braekhus`s decision isn`t born of exhaustion, but of a pragmatic desire to explore the world beyond the canvas while still “young and healthy.” One might raise an eyebrow at 44 being “young” in the context of professional combat, but for a woman who has spent three decades refining the art of pugilism, it signifies a vibrant future, not a fading past.
A Journey Forged in Challenge
Braekhus`s story is one of overcoming odds, from her early years in a Colombian orphanage to her adoption and new life in Norway. Her professional career, spanning 18 years and commencing in Switzerland, now culminates on Norwegian soil – a place that once prohibited professional boxing. In a remarkable turn of events, the ban was lifted in 2014 specifically to allow Braekhus to defend her unified belts, marking the first professional fight in Norway since 1981. This wasn`t just a sporting event; it was a cultural milestone, a testament to her magnetic appeal and influence.
Her resume boasts an enviable 38-2-1 record, highlighted by her distinction as the first-ever four-belt undisputed female champion. When pressed for a single highlight, Braekhus points to her initial clash with Anne Sophie Mathis – a fight where conventional wisdom predicted her defeat. “Nobody believed that I would beat her,” she recalls. “I won, and everyone was absolutely shocked.” These moments, coupled with the emotional experience of finally fighting in Norway, underscore a career built on defying expectations.
The Architect of a New Era
Perhaps Braekhus`s most enduring contribution lies not just in her individual accolades but in her pivotal role in the dramatic evolution of women`s boxing. She emerged in an era where women`s combat sports were often relegated to the sidelines, facing skepticism and even outright bans.
“The level of commitment from the outside is now completely different,” she observes, reflecting on the journey from a time when “gyms and coaches used to say, `We don’t train women`” to today`s landscape where women headline shows, attract significant investment, and compete on the Olympic stage. She, along with a handful of other pioneers, hammered away at the glass ceiling, one precise jab and powerful cross at a time, transforming the sport into the thriving, respected spectacle it is today. Her career spanned the critical bridge between obscurity and mainstream acceptance, proving that female fighters deserved the same platforms and recognition as their male counterparts.
A Champion`s Exit: Not a Waltz, But a Battle
True to her uncompromising spirit, Braekhus isn`t orchestrating a ceremonial waltz into retirement. Her choice of opponent, the reigning WBC and WBO super-welterweight champion Ema Kozin, demonstrates her unwavering competitive drive. “A lot of people thought I would take a show fight; an easy fight to ride off into the sunset,” she states, “But I have no interest in that. The end has to measure up to the rest of my career.” This isn`t merely an exhibition; it`s a final, demanding test against a formidable foe, a last chance to prove her mettle before the curtain falls.
Beyond the Ropes: A New Chapter
Life after boxing often presents a daunting void for athletes, but Braekhus is determined to keep the momentum going. “The most important thing in life after boxing is not to just sit on the couch,” she wisely notes. Her future plans are as ambitious as her past: writing a book, delving into television work, and engaging in public speaking. She envisions a life rich with experiences, far removed from the rigorous, often solitary existence of a professional boxer. Her only notable regret, the two fights against Jessica McCaskill during the restrictive COVID era – which cost her the undisputed welterweight title – serves as a human touchpoint in an otherwise stellar career, a reminder that even legends face imperfect moments.
Cecilia Braekhus is not just retiring; she`s transitioning. Her legacy is etched in the annals of boxing history – the first female undisputed champion, a fighter who commanded arenas, sold pay-per-views, and most significantly, helped forge a path for countless women who followed. Her place in the Hall of Fame is not just assured; it`s a cornerstone of the structure she helped build. As she prepares for her final fight, the “First Lady” leaves behind a sport she profoundly impacted, stepping out of the ring not with a sigh of relief, but with the quiet dignity of a trailblazer whose work is done, and whose influence will resonate for generations.
Felix Harwood