Still basking in the glow of a tremendous performance on Saturday night fighting in her native country of Norway for the first time, #1 Pound-for-Pound Women’s Fighter, Cecilia Braekhus, (29-0, 8 KO’s) looked ahead to her future while celebrating the momentous occasion of her second round knockout of arch-rival Anne Sophie Mathis, (27-4-1, 23 KO’s). With the victory Braekhus retained her WBC/WBA/IBF/WBO and IBO Welterweight Titles.
Known as “The First Lady” of boxing, Breakhus worked diligently outside the ring with numerous Norwegian politicians over the last seven years to lift the ban on boxing the country had instituted in 1981.
“I’ve fought all over Europe but it was always my dream to fight in Norway, this is my home and it meant so much to me on Saturday to see the huge crowd and know how much it meant to so many people in this country, “said Braekhus. “The entire fight week truly exceeded my expectations, everywhere I went the response from fans and media was incredible.”
“I have to give a special thanks to the Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, who has been so very supportive of my work and played a huge role towards lifting the ban in Norway that allowed me to fight here.”
While over 10,000 fans packed the Oslo Spektrum, over a fourth of the four million people residing in Norway tuned in on TV3, marking it as the second highest program in the stations’ history.
Said Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of K2 Promotions, “I’ve been to many boxing events, but this one stood out with the emotion from the fans for their national hero, finally getting to see her fight at home. It was a spectacular night in the arena and a spectacular performance in the ring.”
Speaking about the second round knockout of Mathis who she decisioned four years ago, Breakhus stated, “I feel so much stronger training now with Johnathon Banks, after the first round he told me to go on the attack and my punches were too much for her.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4WLB0nAS_8
“This is my third fight with Johnathon and I feel like a new boxer, he’s really taken me to new levels.”
About her future plans, Braekhus said, “Two things I want to do next year, fight in the United States and fight (UFC fighter) Cris Cyborg. She’s been talking loudly about fighting me in a boxing match and I’m all for it. And the United States is a place I’ve wanted to fight for many years and want to make that happen in 2017 as well.”
Among those in attendance on Saturday night in Norway was former heavyweight champion of the world, Wladimir Klitschko, “He told me I hit like a heavyweight,” said Breakhus, “And I’m sure he would know.”