Cecilia Braekhus, the first woman in boxing history to become an undisputed four-belt champion, ended her legendary career on October 4, 2025, with a dominant victory over Ema Kozin in Lillestrom, Norway. With the win, Braekhus captured the WBC and WBO super-welterweight titles, retiring as a two-weight world champion.
Braekhus wins ‘The Final Bell’ in front of home crowd
Fighting in front of 3,000 spectators at Nova Spektrum Arena, the 44-year-old Braekhus controlled the fight from the early rounds, delivering sharp combinations and clean body shots. She won by unanimous decision with scores of 98-92, 97-93, and 96-94, showcasing her signature composure and technique.
The bout, dubbed The Final Bell, marked Braekhus’s final professional appearance. Overcome with emotion, she dropped to her knees as the judges’ scores were read. “I want to thank the boxing community all over the world. I’m so happy,” she said after the fight.
A fitting end to a historic career
Braekhus retires with a final record of 39 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw, including 9 knockouts. She made her professional debut in 2007 and rose to global prominence by unifying the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO welterweight titles in 2014. She became the first female boxer to hold all four major belts in one division.
Her career includes three Guinness World Records:
- Longest-reigning female world champion (11 years, 154 days)
- Longest unbeaten streak in women’s boxing (36 fights)
- Longest reign as undisputed champion (5 years, 337 days)
Although losses to Jessica McCaskill and a draw with Terri Harper suggested she was past her prime, Braekhus was determined to exit the sport as a world champion.
Kozin outboxed in title defense
Ema Kozin, 26, entered the ring as the reigning WBC and WBO champion, having claimed the titles in 2023. She started with intensity but was soon overwhelmed by Braekhus’s precision and timing. A double left hook in the second round and a clean right to the temple in the eighth highlighted the Norwegian’s dominance.
Unusually, judges’ scores were announced mid-fight, with Braekhus holding a two-round lead by the fifth. Kozin struggled to respond and suffered the second defeat of her professional career.
Norway boxing legacy comes full circle
Braekhus’s final bout in Norway was more than symbolic. She played a key role in overturning Norway’s 33-year ban on professional boxing in 2014. By promoting the event through her own First Lady Promotions, she delivered a powerful message in the very country where she once could not legally compete.
What’s next for Cecilia Braekhus?
Now retired from competition, Braekhus plans to take a break but remains open to future roles in boxing. With her experience and international influence, she could easily transition into media, promotion or athlete development.
“I’m retiring exactly how I dreamed, as a world champion, in front of my people,” she said.
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