Pioneer Braekhus retires after world-title win

Cecilia Braekhus of Norway won the WBC and WBO light-middleweight titles in her final fight, putting an end to her glittering career.

In a strong performance at Lillestrom, the 44-year-old harped on the years with sharp attacks to the head and body.

As Braekhus won the second weight division championship, the judges awarded it a score of 97-93, 96-94, and 98-92.

The “First Lady” of boxing, who had previously stated that the fight would be her last, fell to her knees when the scores were read out. She had been clearly overcome with emotion as she lay head in her hands.

“I want to thank everyone who supports boxing in the world, including my friends in England, Los Angeles, and everyone. I’m so happy, Braekhus expressed.

Braekhus, who won 39 victories, two losses, and one draw, retires in 2014 as the first female boxer to hold all four major belts at once.

She dominated the welterweight division and fought for her unified world titles for more than ten years after making her debut in 2007.

Braekhus quickly found her rhythm as Slovenian southpaw Kozin, 26, quickly jumped out of her rapid start.

The home fighter won the fight dubbed “The Final Bell,” taking control of the outcome after landing combinations, including a double hook in the second.

3, 000 Nova Spektrum Arena fans were dancing in the fourth quarter when she landed a flush combination.

In November of this year, Kozin faced Briton Hannah Rankin for the title that she had won.

Unusually, the MC read the scores before the fifth, with Braekhus receiving a two-round lead from all other judges.

Kozin offered little as he grimacened forward. In the eighth inning, her body appeared to be hurt even more by a right hook to the temple and a left whipping.

Although Jessica McCaskill’s defeat and a draw with Britain’s Terri Harper suggested a decline in recent years, Braekhus had inspired a generation of women to put on the gloves.

However, the holder of three Guinness World Records, which included the longest reign as undisputed champion (5 years, 337 days), longest reign as a female world champion (11 years, 154 days), and longest unbeaten streak (36 fights) was fervent about resigning.

She did exactly that with her victory, making it a fitting conclusion for the woman who reinstated professional boxing in Norway and ended the sport entirely on her terms.