Cecilia Brækhus: Women's boxing legend ends her career

(NOV 12) Cecilia Brækhus began her extraordinary career in professional boxing almost twenty years ago and has not stopped fighting since – both in and out of the ring.

Her life has been marked by various challenges: from fights with world champions to the ban on professional boxing in Norway and doubts about whether women really have a place in this sport.

Today, at the age of 44, Brækhus intends to hang up her gloves – her legacy is already written in boxing history as the first ever undisputed world champion among women.

But the end of her career is not easy: before her last fight with Slovenian boxer Emma Kozin, Brækhus reflects on the pain and finality of this step.

‘It's almost my whole life, and I love it. It will  be very sad; it will be difficult; it will be like a broken heart.’

– CNN Sport

Boxing is not just a sport with exciting fights: it is the stories of people who rise from obscurity. Brækhus' unique journey — from an orphan in Colombia to foster care in Norway to a global star — leaves a mark in any weight class.

Born in Colombia and raised in adoptive Norway — a country with a historical opposition to boxing — Brækhus has proven time and again that strength of spirit can change the rules. At the beginning of her career, many doubted that women could compete at the highest level, but she responded with her own success story.

‘I literally heard, “Hey, women aren't allowed in the gym,” and there were male coaches who didn't want to train women. That was the environment. I said I would become a boxing star, a champion and a world champion, and I received a lot of criticism for that, which only pushed me further.’

– Brækhus

In 2014, the Norwegian Parliament passed amendments, lifting the ban on professional boxing by a majority vote. This historic decision paved the way for many girls to enter professional sports and changed the landscape of women's boxing in the country.

‘When you're a world champion, it's more than just about you — it's about everyone. I'm a world champion, I'm the best — it's his, it's his,’ Brækhus shared. ‘Other than lifting the ban, it will have a huge impact on many people for years to come.’

The changes in Norway were just part of a great career. In 2012, female boxers competed in the Olympic Games for the first time, and in 2018, Brækhus took part in HBO's first women's boxing event in more than a quarter of a century, defeating Kali Raice by decision.

Her dominance in the world of boxing has left a significant mark: five years of leadership and a record-breaking series of 25 title defences – a true legend in the history of the sport. Although the streak was broken in 2020 by a defeat to Jessica McCaskill, Brækhus ended her active career with a huge impact on the development of women's boxing.

After leaving the sporting scene, Brækhus strives to remain close to the public: participating in public events, filming television projects and doing charity work, while remaining part of the Norwegian sporting community as the ‘first lady of boxing’ for many fans.
‘Invest in girls — because we prove time and time again that we sell tickets, we entertain people, we draw crowds.’

— Brækhus

Brækhus' rivals included stars such as Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, who took the popularity of women's boxing to new heights. She herself has seen packed stadiums – from over 10,000 spectators in Oslo to the expectations of a full house in the final fight against Emma Cozin in Lillestrøm – as confirmation of how much girls' opportunities in this sport have changed.

Her dream is to end her career at the peak of her form, without serious injuries, with the feeling that girls can overcome any barriers and realise their wildest dreams – and leave behind not only titles, but also a new era of women's boxing. Fans following her journey can experience a similar thrill off the ring by exploring offers like the WantedWin  WantedWin has combining excitement and reward in a different arena.

Legacy and final fight

‘She managed to combine talent and responsibility for the development of boxing, proving that sport can change people's lives,’ recalls her coach Jonathon Banks. ‘Returning home with new victories, she left behind a real message for future generations.’
Braekhus' final fight against Emma Cozin in Lillestrøm was the culmination of her brilliant career. Stepping into the ring with unwavering confidence, she strives to leave an indelible mark on the world of boxing and continue to make an impact beyond the world of sport.

FAQs

Who is Cecilia Brækhus?

She is the first-ever undisputed female world boxing champion and a trailblazer in women’s boxing.

What are her major achievements?

Brækhus defended her world titles 25 times, competed in HBO’s first women’s boxing event in over 25 years, and helped popularise women’s boxing globally.

Where was she born and raised?

She was born in Colombia and raised in foster care in Norway.
What challenges did she face in her career?

Early in her career, she faced skepticism about women in boxing, male coaches who refused to train her, and a ban on professional boxing in Norway, which was lifted in 2014.|

Who were her biggest rivals?

Her notable rivals included Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, who helped elevate the profile of women’s boxing worldwide.
When did she have her final fight?

Her career culminated in a final fight against Slovenian boxer Emma Cozin in Lillestrøm, Norway.