Cecilia Braekhus ended her storied career by defeating Ema Kozin through a unanimous decision in Lillestrom.
Judges scored the bout 98-92, 97-93, and 96-94, giving Braekhus the unified WBC and WBO super-welterweight titles.
The 44-year-old Norwegian icon dominated throughout and announced her retirement after the victory.
Her professional journey began in 2007 when boxing remained banned in Norway.
Braekhus later helped lift that ban by defending her undisputed title in Oslo in 2016.
She became the first woman in the four-belt era to hold all world titles after defeating Ivana Habazin in 2014.
A Record-Breaking Legacy in the Ring
Braekhus built a 36-fight winning streak over 13 years before her first professional defeat.
She lost only twice in her career, both to Jessica McCaskill, who beat her in two title fights.
Her reign as undisputed welterweight champion lasted from 2014 to 2020, including 10 successful defences.
In 2023, she narrowly missed unifying the WBA and WBO super-welterweight titles after drawing with Terri Harper.
Reflecting on her journey, Braekhus described early struggles when women faced exclusion from the Olympics.
She recalled constant dismissal and gender bias but refused to accept limitations.
“I never listened to anyone who said women were less worthy,” she said.
She expressed joy that the next generation faces a fairer, more open boxing world.
Braekhus highlighted how far women’s boxing has advanced since her early days in the sport.
New Champions Rise to Continue Her Legacy
As Braekhus retires, women’s boxing enters a new chapter with rising stars leading the way.
Irish champion Katie Taylor also nears the end of her decorated career.
Claressa Shields, 30, continues to dominate every division she enters and remains undefeated.
She holds two Olympic gold medals and has unified titles in three professional weight classes.
Shields currently reigns as the undisputed heavyweight champion, though her natural weight is middleweight.
Lauren Price, a British Olympic gold medallist, has surged forward with only nine professional fights.
She already unified three welterweight world titles and defeated both Jessica McCaskill and Natasha Jonas.
This new generation continues the path Braekhus created, ensuring women’s boxing keeps breaking barriers.
