The echoes of the final bell draw near for Cecilia Braekhus, the legendary “First Lady of Boxing,” as she prepares to close an extraordinary professional career spanning over seventeen years. In a poetic turn of fate, her last dance will unfold on home soil in Lillestrøm, Norway – a country that once famously banned professional boxing, only to lift it specifically for her to defend her unified belts.
A Farewell Woven with Emotion and Iron Will
For an athlete who has dedicated a lifetime to their craft, retirement is never a simple decision. Braekhus, at 44, faces this pivotal moment with a mixture of poignant reflection and forward-looking resolve. “Of course, there are a lot of emotions,” she confides, acknowledging the bittersweet symphony of departure. “Some sad, some happy. It’s goodbye to a sport that I have been in for many years.”
Yet, underlying the sentimentality is a clear conviction: “I just feel it’s time.” After decades defined by the discipline and rigors of the gym, the desire to explore a life beyond the ropes has taken root. “I want to see what’s out there outside of boxing while I am still young,” she articulates, echoing the universal human yearning for new horizons. It`s a sentiment many can relate to; the quest for personal evolution, even when at the peak of physical and mental prowess, often calls louder than the roar of the crowd.
The Choice of a Champion: No Easy Exit
True champions don`t fade away with a whimper, nor do they seek easy paths. As Braekhus steps into the ring against Slovenia`s Ema Kozin to contest the WBC and WBO super-welterweight titles, she shuns the notion of a ceremonial “show fight.” “A lot of people thought I would take a show fight; an easy fight to ride off into the sunset,” she explains, with a hint of an amused shrug at the very idea. “But I have no interest in that. I have a very strong competitor, and it will be a really tough fight. The end has to measure up to the rest of my career. That is really important to me.”
This unwavering commitment to competitive integrity is a hallmark of her career. To bow out with anything less than a formidable challenge would be, for Braekhus, an act of dissonance against the very fabric of her legacy. It`s a testament to her inherent warrior spirit, choosing a final battle that truly mirrors the intensity and excellence that defined her reign.
Forging a Legacy: Breaking Barriers and Records
Born in Colombia and adopted into Norway, Braekhus`s journey began with an early lesson in resilience. Her professional boxing career, commencing in 2007, quickly transformed her into a global icon. Among her many accolades, becoming the first-ever four-belt undisputed female champion stands as a monumental achievement, etching her name firmly in boxing`s hallowed halls.
When asked about career highlights, she finds it impossible to pinpoint just one. Her triumph over Anne Sophie Mathis, a fighter who had devastatingly stopped Holly Holm, remains a pivotal sporting memory. “Nobody believed that I would beat her,” she recalls. “I won, and everyone was absolutely shocked.” Equally profound was the emotional resonance of her first professional fight in Norway in 2014, breaking a decades-long ban on the sport. Such moments are not merely victories; they are testaments to a fighter who consistently defied expectations and reshaped possibilities.
The Evolving Landscape of Women`s Boxing
Braekhus’s career has unfolded against a backdrop of dramatic transformation for women’s boxing. When she began her combat sports journey in kickboxing, switching to boxing, the sport was far from its current mainstream acceptance. Women`s boxing only debuted at the Olympics in 2012, long after her amateur days.
“The level of commitment of the fighters has always been there,” she notes, “but the level of commitment from the outside is now completely different.” She`s witnessed the sport evolve from an era where gyms would declare, “We don`t train women,” to a vibrant landscape where young girls flock to boxing, starting at ages far earlier than she did. Promoters now headline shows with female fighters, investing significantly in the women`s game. This profound shift, from niche curiosity to a celebrated spectacle, owes much to pioneers like Braekhus, who proved the power, skill, and marketability of female pugilists.
Life Beyond the Lights: New Adventures Await
For many athletes, the transition to retirement can be a daunting void. Braekhus, however, is not one to sit idle. “The most important thing in life after boxing is not to just sit on the couch,” she wisely observes. Her post-fight plans are as ambitious as her career itself: writing a book, pursuing television opportunities, and engaging in public speaking. “I have a lot of things I want to do,” she affirms. “I will keep myself busy. The most important thing is not to stay inside and lock yourself away and mourn.”
This proactive approach highlights a crucial lesson for anyone navigating significant life changes: purpose and engagement are vital for well-being. Braekhus`s journey from an orphanage to international stardom has instilled in her a formidable drive, one that will undoubtedly fuel her endeavors outside the ring.
A Solitary Regret in a Sterling Career
A career as long and distinguished as Braekhus`s (38-2-1) is almost spotless. Only Jessica McCaskill has managed to defeat her, in two fights that took place during the uniquely challenging and restrictive Covid-19 era. These bouts, which cost Braekhus her undisputed world welterweight title, are her one significant regret.
“My decision to take those fights during Covid wasn`t a good one,” she admits, acknowledging the unique circumstances that perhaps weren`t conducive to optimal performance. It`s a remarkably honest admission from a fighter known for her unwavering resolve, a small human imperfection in an otherwise near-perfect record.
The Indelible Mark: A Place in History Assured
As Cecilia Braekhus steps into the ring for the final time, she will not just be fighting Ema Kozin; she will be celebrating a legacy. She may have just missed out on the absolute peak “boom” times of women`s boxing, but it was her relentless pursuit of excellence that laid the groundwork for those very opportunities. Her place in the Hall of Fame is not merely probable; it is assured.
“I just want to be remembered for what I did,” a reflective Braekhus states. “I became the first female fighter to go undisputed. I sold out arenas, and I sold PPVs – a fighter who helped shape women’s boxing and a fighter whom people enjoyed watching in the ring.” This is the essence of Cecilia Braekhus: a pioneer, a champion, and an entertainer who carved her own path, inspiring countless others to follow. As the final bell sounds, it will mark the end of a chapter, but the story of the “First Lady of Boxing” will continue to resonate for generations to come.
