Cecilia Brækhus, often referred to as “The First Lady” of boxing, is a Norwegian professional boxer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest female boxers of all time.
Born on September 28, 1981, in Cartagena, Colombia, she became the undisputed welterweight champion of the world, holding the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles simultaneously.
Here we have Cecilia Braekhus’s net worth, earnings, career overview, boxing record, achievements, and more.
Cecilia Braekhus’s Biography
| Full Name | Cecilia Carmen Linda Braekhus |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 28, 1981 |
| Birthplace | Cartagena, Colombia |
| Nationality | Norwegian |
| Height | 5’7″ (171 cm) |
| Reach | 170 cm |
| Weight | Welterweight (147 lbs) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
Cecilia Braekhus was adopted from Colombia and raised in Bergen, Norway. She began her combat sports journey in kickboxing before transitioning to professional boxing.
With a background in martial arts and exceptional discipline, she quickly rose through the ranks in women’s boxing to become a dominant force in the welterweight division.
Professional Career
Cecilia Braekhus made her professional debut on January 20, 2007, defeating Ksenija Koprek. She quickly gained recognition for her technical ability, defensive prowess, and ring IQ.
In 2009, she claimed the WBA and WBC welterweight titles by defeating Vinni Skovgaard, marking the beginning of her reign as the undisputed champion.
Over the years, Braekhus successfully defended her titles numerous times, including wins over renowned fighters like Anne Sophie Mathis, Victoria Cisneros, and Ivana Habazin.
Her crowning achievement came in 2014 when she became the first woman to hold all four major world titles (WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO) simultaneously in the welterweight division.
In August 2020, Braekhus faced Jessica McCaskill in a high-profile fight, suffering her first professional loss via majority decision, which ended her 36-fight winning streak.
Achievements
- The first female boxer to hold all four major titles (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO) at the same time.
- Reigned as the undisputed welterweight champion from 2014 to 2020.
- Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
- Awarded the 2018 “Fighter of the Year” by several boxing organizations.
Cecilia Braekhus’s Net Worth Details
Cecilia Braekhus’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025. She has amassed significant wealth through her boxing career, endorsements, and business ventures.
Her earnings from boxing come from fight purses, bonuses, and pay-per-view shares.
Fight Purse Breakdown
| Date | Opponent | Fight Purse |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Jessica McCaskill | $250,000 |
| 2019 | Victoria Bustos | $200,000 |
| 2017 | Mikaela Lauren | $150,000 |
Net Worth Growth
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $5 million |
| 2023 | $4.5 million |
| 2022 | $4 million |
| 2021 | $3.8 million |
| 2020 | $3.5 million |
Endorsements
Cecilia Braekhus has secured endorsement deals with notable brands, including Nike and Adidas.
Pro Boxing Records
| 41 fights | 38 wins | 2 losses |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 9 | 0 |
| By decision | 29 | 2 |
| Draws | 1 | |
FAQs
1. Who is Cecilia Braekhus?
Cecilia Braekhus is a Colombian-born Norwegian professional boxer known as “The First Lady of Boxing.” She became the first woman to hold the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles simultaneously in any weight class. She dominated the welterweight division from 2014 to 2020 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest female boxers.
2. What is Cecilia Braekhus’ boxing record?
Cecilia Braekhus has a professional record of 38 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. Of her victories, 9 were by knockout. She has never been stopped in her career and has boxed a total of 330 rounds, averaging eight rounds per fight.
3. What awards has Cecilia Braekhus received?
Braekhus was named Female Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America in 2017. She also holds three Guinness World Records for her achievements, including the longest reign as an undisputed boxing champion and the most bouts undefeated by a female world champion.
4. What challenges did Cecilia Braekhus face in her career?
Braekhus faced significant challenges, including moving to Europe to pursue professional boxing due to Norway’s ban on the sport until 2019. She broke barriers as the first woman in her gym and overcame societal stereotypes to achieve global success.
5. What was Cecilia Braekhus’ most notable achievement?
Her most notable achievement was becoming the undisputed female welterweight champion in 2014, holding all four major world titles simultaneously—a feat achieved by only a few boxers in history.
6. What is Cecilia Braekhus’ fighting style?
Braekhus uses an orthodox stance and is known for her technical precision, aggressive combinations, and ability to adapt during fights. Her style emphasizes both offense and defense, making her a formidable opponent.
7. What was Cecilia Braekhus’ last fight?
Her last fight occurred on August 10, 2024, against Maricela Cornejo in Las Vegas, where she won by unanimous decision to claim the interim WBC super welterweight title.
8. Why is Cecilia Braekhus called ‘The First Lady of Boxing’?
She earned this nickname for being a pioneer in women’s boxing, breaking multiple records and barriers while achieving unprecedented success as an undisputed champion.
9. What role did Cecilia Braekhus play in promoting women’s boxing?
Braekhus has been instrumental in advancing women’s boxing by competing at the highest levels, advocating for equality, and inspiring younger generations through her achievements and public support for mental health awareness.
10. What are Cecilia Braekhus’ future plans?
Braekhus is planning a farewell fight on March 8, 2025, at Unity Arena in Norway to conclude her illustrious career. This event will mark her first fight in Norway since 2017 and celebrate her legacy with star-studded guests.
