Cecilia Brækhus, one of the most iconic figures in professional boxing, is preparing to hang up her gloves after nearly two decades in the sport. Her final fight, set against Slovenian Ema Kozin this Saturday, will mark the end of a groundbreaking career that has not only redefined women’s boxing but also changed the way the world views female athletes. At 43, Brækhus’ decision to retire comes with a sense of finality, but also a deep understanding of the incredible legacy she leaves behind.
From her beginnings as an orphan in Colombia to becoming the first-ever undisputed women’s world champion, Brækhus’ journey is nothing short of remarkable. Throughout her career, she faced numerous obstacles—both in and out of the ring—that no other fighter has had to contend with. Yet, she has become a symbol of resilience, defying the odds to achieve greatness in a sport where female representation was once minimal, and often dismissed.
The Early Struggles: An Underdog Story
Cecilia Brækhus’ story begins far from the spotlight. Born in Colombia and orphaned at a young age, she was adopted and raised in Norway. While her new home was far removed from the typical boxing epicenters, it came with a significant challenge: Norway had banned professional boxing since 1981, leaving little room for aspiring fighters. Despite the odds stacked against her, Brækhus fell in love with combat sports as a teenager, sneaking out of her house to train in kickboxing before eventually switching to boxing.
In a sport traditionally dominated by men, Brækhus’ ambition to pursue a career in boxing seemed almost absurd to many, especially with Norway’s ban in place. “This was before girls could go to the Olympics for boxing, before the #MeToo movement, and when many boxing gyms didn’t allow women,” Brækhus recalls.
The challenges weren’t just legal or structural; societal attitudes towards women in boxing were also far from supportive. Female fighters were rarely taken seriously, and Brækhus was frequently told that “women are not allowed in the gym.” Many male coaches refused to train women, dismissing the idea of female boxers altogether. But this didn’t deter Brækhus; it only fueled her desire to prove everyone wrong. She vowed to become a world champion, a goal that seemed impossible at the time.
Breaking Barriers: A Move to Germany
Unable to pursue a professional career in her home country, Brækhus relocated to Germany, where the ban on professional boxing didn’t exist. It was there that she signed with German promoter Wilfried Sauerland, becoming the first female fighter to do so, and earning the nickname “First Lady” of boxing. This marked the beginning of her illustrious career, and soon, Brækhus began to make waves in the international boxing scene.
Her perseverance paid off in September 2014, when she defeated Croatian Ivana Habazin to become the first-ever undisputed female world champion. With that victory, Brækhus held the IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO welterweight titles simultaneously, a feat no woman had ever accomplished before. “It’s hard to find a unified champion, male or female, who doesn’t have an influence on an entire generation,” says Johnathon Banks, Brækhus’ long-time trainer. “But she had such a big influence, because once all these girls found out… they don’t want to just be world champions, they want to be undisputed.”
For Brækhus, this victory meant more than just personal glory—it opened doors for the next generation of women boxers, proving that the highest echelons of boxing were not just for men. It was a milestone that paved the way for other women to dream big.
Fighting for Change: Lifting the Ban in Norway
Brækhus didn’t just fight opponents in the ring; she also fought tirelessly to lift the ban on professional boxing in her home country. While training in Germany, she flew back to Norway regularly to meet with doctors, politicians, and even the prime minister, all in an effort to change the country’s strict stance on boxing.
“There was a very big stigma around boxing in Norway,” Brækhus explains. “You were almost considered a criminal. It was hard to get sponsorship or recognition.” The legal consequences were severe; anyone caught participating in professional boxing could face up to three months in prison. “I wanted to take away that stigma. I wanted to introduce the sport to Norwegians and show them it could be safe and legitimate.”
Brækhus’ efforts culminated in December 2014 when the Norwegian parliament voted to lift the ban on professional boxing, passing the measure by a slim majority of 54 to 48. The victory was deeply personal for Brækhus. “When you’re a world champion, it’s all about you—ego, ego, ego,” she says. “But lifting the ban, that’s something that will have an enormous impact for many people for many years to come.”
This victory marked a turning point for the sport in Norway and was another testament to Brækhus’ resolve in fighting for what she believed in. It wasn’t just about her career—it was about opening doors for future generations.
A Historic Career: Breaking Records and Paving the Way
Brækhus continued to break records and make history throughout her career. In 2018, she participated in the first-ever female boxing match aired on HBO, where she defeated American Kali Reis in a unanimous decision, further solidifying her place in boxing history. Her reign as the undisputed champion lasted an impressive five years and 337 days, setting a new standard in the sport.
However, in 2020, her historic streak of 25 title defenses was abruptly ended by Jessica McCaskill, a loss that led Brækhus to consider retirement. Despite her continued success, the pain of that defeat lingered. But after a few years of reflection, she now feels ready to leave the ring on her own terms.
As she prepares for her final fight against Kozin, Brækhus reflects on her long and decorated career. She has seen the landscape of women’s boxing transform, from a niche sport to one with global appeal. Fighters like Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, who headlined Madison Square Garden in 2022, are proof of this growing popularity. “Girls—seven, eight years old—are now empowered to start boxing training,” says Brækhus, smiling at how far the sport has come.
Yet, despite the significant strides women’s boxing has made, Brækhus remains adamant that more needs to be done. “We still have to prove ourselves twice as much as men to get the same recognition, the same pay, the same opportunities,” she says. She urges the powers-that-be in boxing to “invest in girls,” noting that women boxers have consistently demonstrated they can sell tickets, entertain audiences, and draw crowds.
The Final Fight: Saying Goodbye
As Brækhus steps into the ring for the last time, she is ready to close this chapter of her life. “I think it’s just time,” she says. “I want to stop at the top. I don’t want to go out with any injuries or regrets. The worst thing is when the lights turn off, and you suddenly don’t have anything to do.”
Though she plans to step away from boxing for a while, Brækhus is not leaving the world of sports entirely. She intends to stay active, focusing on writing, public speaking, TV appearances, and charity work. Despite her desire for some distance from the sport, she acknowledges that it will always be a part of her. “It’s like a relationship—you need to take a break first, and then you can become friends again,” she says.
Brækhus will retire in Norway, the country that was once so resistant to the sport she loved, and she will do so with a sense of peace. Her impact on boxing is undeniable, and her legacy will inspire future generations of fighters, especially women, for years to come.
As Johnathon Banks aptly puts it, “Her biggest win wasn’t just the titles she brought home; it was bringing the sport back home to Norway.”
In the end, Cecilia Brækhus may be stepping away from the ring, but her fight—for boxing, for women in sports, and for change—will resonate long after the final bell rings.
