Women’s boxing would not look the same today without Cecilia Braekhus. Before Katie Taylor sold out arenas, before Claressa Shields demanded equal billing, and before Amanda Serrano broke barriers, there was “The First Lady.”
In 2009, Braekhus took the mantle from Christy Martin as the new flagbearer for the sport, and she never looked back. What set her apart was not just the longevity of her reign but her vision. At a time when the concept of an undisputed champion in women’s boxing was almost unheard of, Braekhus made it her mission.
The First Lady’s Undisputed Legacy
From her first WBC welterweight crown in 2009, she steadily added to her collection—unifying further in 2012 before completing the set in 2014. In doing so, she became the first woman in history to achieve undisputed status in the four-belt era.
Guinness World Records confirmed her dominance: “The longest reign as a four-belt undisputed world boxing champion is 5 years 337 days from September 13, 2014, to August 15, 2020.” It would take another five years before any other female fighter managed the same feat.
Her stunning unbeaten run of 36-0 was the stuff of legend, a decade-long streak that only ended against Jessica McCaskill in 2020. Crucially, during that reign, Braekhus equaled the record of 25 consecutive successful world title defenses, a feat only ever matched by the great heavyweight champion, Joe Louis.
Going Out a Champion
Even after her first career loss, Braekhus refused to bow out quietly. She remained in the elite conversation, always chasing the highest level, until she finally decided to call it quits this weekend.
That farewell will come this Saturday, October 4, at the Nova Spektrum in Lillestrøm, Norway—her first fight at home since 2017. She faces WBO/WBC junior middleweight champion Ema Kozin in “The Final Bell,” with the chance to retire a unified champion at 42 years old.
Braekhus made clear at the press conference that she chose a real fight, not an exhibition.
“This is not a show match. It’s going to be a really hard fight against a tough opponent, but that will make the victory extra satisfying. I’ve already secured my place in the hall of fame, but by claiming these two belts, I’ll be in company with the all-time greats.”
A Historic Reign Ends in Norway
Kozin, 24-1-1, is nearly two decades younger and brings youth, size, and belief into the ring. But even she acknowledged Braekhus’ role in shaping the sport: “Cecilia was one of my role models, and she’s had an amazing career. But I feel great and I cannot wait to step into the ring.”
For Braekhus, whether she wins or loses, her legacy is secure. She was the pioneer of the undisputed era, the proof of concept that women’s boxing could be organized, marketed, and fought at the very highest level.
Without Braekhus, there may never have been a Taylor-Serrano in Madison Square Garden, or a Shields headlining pay-per-view. She carried the sport through the wilderness years and handed the torch to a new generation who took it mainstream.
On Saturday night in Norway, boxing will salute more than just a champion. It will salute the fighter who made it possible for women’s boxing to matter in the modern era.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.