Cecilia Brækhus: A Legacy in Women's Boxing

Cecilia Brækhus, known as "The First Lady" of boxing, is set to retire after her final fight against Slovenian Ema Kozin on October 7, 2025, in Lillestrøm, Norway. At 44 years old, Brækhus leaves behind a remarkable legacy as the first-ever undisputed women’s world champion, having unified all four major boxing titles: WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO. Her career, spanning nearly two decades, has been marked by groundbreaking achievements that have reshaped women's boxing and inspired future generations.

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Brækhus was born in Cartagena, Colombia, and adopted by a Norwegian family, moving to Norway at the age of two. Despite Norway's long-standing ban on professional boxing, which lasted from 1981 until 2014, Brækhus pursued her passion for combat sports. She began her journey in kickboxing before transitioning to boxing, facing significant challenges, including gender discrimination and a lack of support for female athletes. “I was literally told, ‘Hey, women are not allowed in the gym,’” Brækhus recalled, highlighting the obstacles she faced early in her career.

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In 2014, her efforts culminated in the Norwegian parliament lifting the ban on professional boxing, a victory she considers one of her most significant achievements. “This is something that will have an enormous impact for a lot of people and for many, many years to come,” she stated.

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Brækhus made history in September 2014 by defeating Croatian Ivana Habazin, becoming the first woman to be recognized as an undisputed champion in any weight division. Over her career, she achieved numerous milestones, including being the first woman to fight on HBO and holding three Guinness World Records for her dominance in the sport. Her professional record stands at 38 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with both losses occurring against Jessica McCaskill.

Who is Cecilia Brækhus?

Despite her success, Brækhus acknowledges that challenges remain for women in boxing, particularly regarding pay equity and promotion. “There’s still a huge gap between women and men when it comes to pay, but we are in a much better place and are on the right path,” she noted.

Cecilia Braekhus is leaving women’s boxing in ‘great shape’

As Brækhus prepares for her final bout, she reflects on her journey and the future of women's boxing. She plans to remain active outside the ring, focusing on writing, speaking engagements, and charity work. “I want to stop at the top. I don’t want to go out with any injuries,” she explained, emphasizing her desire to leave the sport on her own terms.

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Brækhus's impact on boxing extends beyond her accolades; she has paved the way for future female fighters, inspiring young girls to pursue their dreams in a sport that once marginalized them. Her legacy will undoubtedly influence the next generation of athletes, ensuring that the barriers she faced continue to be dismantled.

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• “It’s going to be very sad; it’s going to be hard; it’s going to be like a heartbreak.” — Cecilia Brækhus

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• “When you’re a world champion, that’s just me, me, me, me. I’m world champion, I’m the best – ego, ego,” — Cecilia Brækhus

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• “It wouldn’t even like cross their minds … I feel like we have to be twice, thrice as good as the men to get the same recognition, to get the same pay, to get the same opportunities.” — Cecilia Brækhus

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Cecilia Brækhus's final fight is not just a farewell to a remarkable career; it is a celebration of the progress made in women's boxing and a call to continue advocating for equality in the sport.

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