Cecilia Brækhus closes her career in style: wins world title in a second weight class
Norwegian legend Cecilia “The First Lady” Brækhus ended her career in the most symbolic way possible: by capturing a world title in a second weight class. On October 4, 2025, at the Nova Spektrum Arena in Lillestrøm, Norway, Brækhus (39–2–1, 9 KOs) defeated Slovenia’s Ema Kozin (24–2–1, 12 KOs) by unanimous decision, claiming the WBC and WBO super welterweight titles.
The judges scored the fight 97–93, 96–94, and 98–92 for Brækhus, sealing a unanimous victory for one of the most accomplished female boxers of the modern era.
A historic night in Norway
The atmosphere at Nova Spektrum was electric as around 3,000 spectators gathered to witness Brækhus’s final bout on home soil. The 44-year-old had confirmed before the fight that this would be her final professional appearance, marking the end of a journey that began in 2007.
Kozin started aggressively in the early rounds, but Brækhus soon took control of the center of the ring, managing distance and timing with her trademark composure. Her work to the body and head gradually limited Kozin’s offense, and the Slovenian was unable to shift the momentum of the fight.
After the decision was announced, Brækhus said:
“I want to thank the boxing community all over the world, my friends in England, L.A., everyone. I’m so happy,” she told the crowd as the Norwegian fans erupted in applause.
A career that changed Norwegian boxing
Brækhus is widely regarded as a pioneer of women’s boxing. Born in Cartagena, Colombia, and raised in Bergen, Norway, she turned professional in 2007 after a successful amateur career. Over the years, she became a key figure in the revival of professional boxing in Norway, helping overturn the country’s 33-year ban on professional boxing in 2014.
From 2009 to 2020, Brækhus held the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO welterweight titles simultaneously, becoming the first boxer in history — male or female — to unify an entire division. According to Guinness World Records, she held the WBA and WBC titles for 11 years and 154 days, the longest reign ever for a female boxing world champion.
During her 12-year undefeated streak, she defended her titles against top contenders such as Jessica Balogun, Anne Sophie Mathis, Erica Farias, and Mikaela Laurén, solidifying her place among the sport’s elite.
An icon of global boxing
Beyond her numbers, Brækhus represents excellence and professionalism. Her ability to maintain peak form and focus for nearly two decades made her a role model for future generations of fighters — in Norway and around the world.
Many top athletes, including Claressa Shields and Katie Taylor, have cited Brækhus as a major influence. With this latest victory, she becomes a two-division world champion — welterweight and super welterweight — capping off a career that redefined the standards of women’s boxing in Europe.
The legacy of “The First Lady”
The win over Kozin closes a remarkable chapter in boxing history. Brækhus had previously faced Claressa Shields in a high-profile bout in 2022, and her return in 2025 served as a celebration of her legacy. Despite her age and time away from the ring, she once again demonstrated tactical sharpness, endurance, and composure.
By winning the WBC and WBO super welterweight titles, Cecilia Brækhus officially retires as a two-weight world champion, with a final record of 39 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw.
Her name will forever be linked not only to sporting greatness but also to cultural change — that of a woman who helped reshape boxing in her country and opened the way for others to follow.
Sources
- ESPN Boxing – “Cecilia Braekhus wins titles in 2nd weight class in final fight” (Andreas Hale, Oct 4, 2025)
- BoxingScene.com – post-fight recap
- WBCBoxing.com – official event results “The Final Bell”
- Guinness World Records – “Longest reign as boxing world champion (female)”
- BoxRec – fighter profiles: Cecilia Brækhus and Ema Kozin
