Cecilia Brækhus is more than just a boxing champion—she is a trailblazer who has redefined the sport for women worldwide. Known as “The First Lady of Boxing,” she became the first female boxer to hold all four major world titles in a single weight class, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest athletes in boxing history.
Born in Cartagena, Colombia, and raised in Norway, Brækhus’ journey to the top was anything but ordinary. From her early days in kickboxing to dominating the welterweight division, she has consistently shattered barriers and set new records. Her undisputed reign from 2014 to 2020 made her one of the most dominant champions in boxing history, earning her multiple accolades, including a Guinness World Record for her achievements.
Beyond the ring, Brækhus is a businesswoman, philanthropist, and role model for aspiring female athletes. Her influence extends beyond boxing, as she continues to advocate for gender equality in sports and inspire the next generation of fighters.
Birth and Adoption
Cecilia Carmen Linda Brækhus was born on September 28, 1981, in Cartagena, Colombia. However, her life took a significant turn when she was adopted at the age of two by Norwegian parents, Martin and Jorunn Brækhus. Raised in Sandviken, Bergen, Norway, she grew up in a loving and supportive environment that encouraged her passion for sports. Her current age is 43 years old as of April 2025.
Despite her Colombian roots, Brækhus identifies strongly with Norway, where she spent most of her formative years. Her adoption story is a testament to the power of family and the opportunities that shaped her into the champion she is today.
As a child, Brækhus was highly active and competitive, showing an early interest in combat sports. At the age of 14, she began training in kickboxing, a discipline that would later serve as the foundation for her boxing career. Her natural talent and dedication quickly became evident, and she soon transitioned into amateur boxing, where she excelled.
Cecilia Brækhus Wiki | BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cecilia Carmen Linda Brækhus |
| Nick Name | The First Lady |
| Profession | Professional Boxer, Kickboxer |
| Age | 43 years old |
| Date of Birth | September 28, 1981 |
| Mother Tongue | Norwegian |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Nationality | Norwegian |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Birthplace | Cartagena, Colombia |
| Hometown | Cartagena, Colombia |
| Current Address | Bergen, Norway |
| Team | Norway (Boxing) |
| Coach | Ulli Wegner |
| Net Worth | $10 million (Approx.) |
| @ceciliabraekhus/ | |
| Wikipedia | @Cecilia_Brækhus |
Education and Personal Life
While Brækhus is known for her boxing prowess, she has always maintained a private personal life. Details about her education remain undisclosed, but her focus has always been on her athletic career. She is known for her reserved nature, rarely sharing personal details in the media.
As of today, Brækhus is single and not publicly involved in any relationships. She prefers to keep her personal affairs away from the spotlight, focusing instead on her career and philanthropic efforts.
Kickboxing Career
Before stepping into the boxing ring, Cecilia made a name for herself in kickboxing, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination. She began training in semi-contact kickboxing at the age of 14, quickly rising through the ranks and earning multiple titles. Her success in kickboxing laid the foundation for her transition into boxing, where she would go on to make history. Brækhus’ kickboxing career was marked by several prestigious victories:
- 2002 WAKO European Champion (Semi-Contact, 65 kg)
- 2003 WAKO World Champion (Semi-Contact, 65 kg)
- 3 National Championships in Norway
- 2 H.M. The King’s Trophy (a prestigious Norwegian sports award)
Amateur Boxing Career
Brækhus’ transition from kickboxing to boxing was seamless, as she quickly established herself as a formidable force in the amateur boxing scene. She fought 80 matches, winning an impressive 75 of them. Her amateur boxing career was filled with significant milestones:
- Silver Medal at the 2005 World Championships
- Gold Medal at the 2005 European Championships
- Silver Medal at the 2004 European Championships
These victories solidified her reputation as one of the most promising female boxers of her generation. Her technical skills, speed, and precision made her a standout competitor, earning her recognition on the international stage.
Professional Boxing Debut
Brækhus officially turned professional in November 2007, signing a contract with German promoter Wilfried Sauerland. Her goal was clear: to become the first Norwegian female world champion in boxing.
Her professional debut took place on January 20, 2007, against Croatian boxer Ksenija Koprek. Brækhus won the match by unanimous decision, marking the beginning of her legendary career. Her rapid rise in professional boxing was a testament to her dedication, skill, and relentless pursuit of greatness. Following her debut, Brækhus continued to dominate:
- May 26, 2007 – Defeated Olga Bojare (Latvia) by unanimous decision
- June 23, 2007 – Won against Borislava Goranova (Bulgaria)
- March 14, 2009 – Became WBC World Champion in welterweight by defeating Vinni Skovgaard
- March 14, 2009 – Secured the vacant WBA female welterweight title
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Rise to Championship Titles
Cecilia Brækhus’ journey to becoming a world champion was nothing short of extraordinary. After making a strong debut in professional boxing, she quickly climbed the ranks, proving herself as a dominant force in the welterweight division.
On March 14, 2009, Brækhus achieved a major milestone by defeating Vinni Skovgaard to claim the WBC World Welterweight Championship. In the same fight, she also secured the vacant WBA female welterweight title, marking the beginning of her reign as a world champion.
Following this victory, Brækhus successfully defended her titles against Amy Yuratovac on May 30, 2009, and Lucia Morelli on September 12, 2009. Her ability to dominate her opponents with technical precision and strategic footwork made her one of the most feared fighters in the division.
Adding More Titles to Her Collection
Brækhus continued her winning streak, and in May 2010, she defended her WBA and WBC titles against Victoria Cisneros. Later that year, she added the WBO title to her collection, further solidifying her status as a multi-title champion.
On October 30, 2010, she successfully defended all three of her titles against Mikaela Laurén, securing the World Professional Boxing Federation (WPBF) title with a knockout victory in the 7th round. Her dominance in the ring earned her the title of “Female Boxer of the Year” by the German boxing magazine BoxSport in 2010.
Becoming the Undisputed Champion
Brækhus’ most historic achievement came on September 14, 2014, when she defeated Ivana Habazin to become the first female boxer to hold all four major world titles simultaneously in the welterweight division. This victory made her the undisputed welterweight champion, a feat that had never been accomplished by a female boxer before.
The fight against Ivana Habazin was a defining moment in Brækhus’ career. She dominated the match, winning by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 100-90 in her favor. This victory cemented her legacy as one of the greatest female boxers of all time.
Brækhus held the WBC and WBA titles for 11 years and 154 days, from March 14, 2009, to August 15, 2020. Her reign as the undisputed welterweight champion lasted from 2014 to 2020, making her the longest-reigning female boxing champion in history.
Career Highlights and Records
Brækhus’ career is filled with remarkable achievements that have shaped the landscape of women’s boxing. In 2017, she was named the Female Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA), becoming the first woman to receive this prestigious award. Her contributions to the sport helped pave the way for greater recognition of female boxers.
On May 5, 2018, Brækhus made history once again when HBO broadcasted its first-ever women’s boxing match, featuring her title defense against Kali Reis. This event was a significant moment for women’s boxing, as it showcased the growing popularity and respect for female fighters. As of 2023, Brækhus is ranked as the world’s best active female super welterweight by BoxRec and the fifth best active female junior middleweight by The Ring.
Business Ventures and Philanthropy
Beyond her success in the boxing ring, Cecilia Brækhus has ventured into business and philanthropy, using her platform to advocate for gender equality in sports and support young athletes.
Brækhus has secured major endorsement deals with brands like Nike and Adidas, further boosting her financial success. These partnerships have allowed her to expand her influence beyond boxing, promoting female athletes and encouraging more women to pursue careers in combat sports.
Brækhus has invested in sports-related businesses, including boxing gyms and training facilities aimed at nurturing young talent. She has also been involved in media projects, working on documentaries that highlight the struggles and triumphs of female athletes.
Physical Attributes
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’7” (171 cm) |
| Reach | 170 cm (67”) |
| Weight | 66 kg (145 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Stance | Orthodox |
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