(JAN 4) Cecilia Brækhus (26-0, 7
KOs) and Jennifer Retzke (15-1-1, 9 KOs) both attended the final
pre-fight press conference today ahead of their WBC, WBA, WBO &
IBF Female World Welterweight Championship fight at the Falconer
Hall at the Radisson Blu in Copenhagen on Saturday night.
Brækhus will be defending the
titles she unified with a historic victory over Ivana Habazin in
September. As she prepares for her next challenger, "The First
Lady' is confident her undefeated record will remain intact.
"I always respect my opponent, but there's no doubt that I'm the
better boxer and that's what you'll see on Saturday,’’ said
Brækhus. ‘’I'm 100 % focused. I will defend my belts in style
and show that I’m in a different league to Jennifer.’’
Retzke has worked her way up the rankings, becoming IBF
mandatory challenger, and earning a shot at the pound-for-pound
number one. "I have prepared more for this fight than I have
ever done before,’’ said Retzke. ‘’Fighting the pound-for-pound
number one requires something special. Cecilia may be the best
in the world but the world should prepare for a big shock on
Saturday night.’’
Brækhus will have renowned German coach Otto Ramin in her corner
for a fourth time. Ramin, who has guided Brækhus to victories
over Myriam Lamare, Jessica Balogun and Ivana Habazin, is wary
of the danger the German challenger poses.
"Jennifer is similar to Cecilia’s last opponent Habazin, but
maybe a little stronger and a little more compact,’’ said Ramin.
‘’She will need to pick her shots carefully in order to stay out
of trouble. It will be a tough fight, but Cecilia is a great
boxer and on Saturday she is going to show just how attractive
female boxing can be."
Promoter Kalle Sauerland is looking forward to Saturday night's
action. ‘’It is all always something special when the number one
in the world is fighting,’’ said Sauerland. ‘’When you watch
Cecilia fight, you are watching boxing history. It has been long
journey but Cecilia has proven time and time again why she is
the best in business. It is my belief that she could one day
retire as an undefeated champion.’’
Brækhus tops the bill at the Falconer Hall on Saturday night.
She is joined by Norwegian prospects Tim-Robin Lihaug, who
challenges George Beroshvili for the vacant WBO Youth Super
Middleweight title, Alexander Hagen, who faces Karel Horejsek
and Kai Robin Havnaa, who makes his professional debut against
Tomislav Rudan. Tickets are available via billetnet.dk.
