Norwegian boxing legend Cecilia “The First Lady” Braekhus ends her glittering career with a clear points victory over Ema Kozin in Lillestrøm and secures two world super-welterweight titles.
On an emotionally charged night in Lillestrøm, Norway, Cecilia Braekhus put an impressive exclamation mark behind her extraordinary career. The 44-year-old Norwegian defeated Ema Kozin from Slovenia unanimously on points to be crowned WBC and WBO World Super Welterweight Champion – in what she herself announced as her last fight. The judges clearly scored the fight in Braekhus’ favor with scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94.
Kozin tried to set the tone right from the start, pushing forward and looking to exchange blows. But Braekhus, known for her fine timing and technical brilliance, countered in a considered manner. With a clean jab, precise combinations and clever footwork, the “First Lady” increasingly took control. Her routine, ring intelligence and tactical maturity left her younger opponent looking helpless at times.
Later in the fight, Braekhus showed once again why she was the undisputed queen of the welterweight division for over a decade. She once defended all four major world titles 25 times in a row – a historic streak that made her an icon of women’s boxing.
After the final bell, Braekhus took off her gloves, smiled and let the audience celebrate. “This is the perfect ending,” she said, visibly moved. With a record of 39 wins, 2 defeats and 1 draw (9 knockouts), Braekhus not only retires as a two-time world champion, but as one of the greatest female boxers of all time – a true pioneer who paved the way for future generations.