Her record is a perfect 28-0. She has welterweight titles from the WBA, WBC, IBO, WBO and IBF. Born in Cartagena, Colombia, and fighting out of Oslo, Norway, she has never fought professionally in her adopted country. It’s not that Cecilia Brækhus hasn’t wanted to fight in Norway. She has fought in Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, and Denmark. It’s that professional boxing was outlawed in Norway from 1981 to 2014.

But that was then and this is now.

Against an opponent to be determined, professional boxing makes its long awaited return to the Oslo Spektrum in Oslo, Norway, on Saturday, October 1, and undisputed welterweight champion Cecilia Brækhus is headlining the card.

“Finally!” said Brækhus. “I’m thrilled I finally get the opportunity to fight on Norwegian ground. This has been a major driving force in recent years.”

Following in the footsteps of Sweden (2007) and Cuba (2013), Norway has seen the light and overturned its ban on boxing.

“I am thrilled and happy for this outcome,” Brækhus added. “After several months of hard work we finally got the approval we needed. I am proud of the team I have that has worked this through, and I am more excited than ever to perform in front of 10,000 Norwegian fans.

“I have been dreaming of boxing in front of my home fans in my home country since I went pro nine years ago, and I am extremely motivated for this fight.”

Boxing’s return to Norway is billed as “Arctic Rumble” and is being promoted by Brækhus’ First Lady Promotions.

Norwegian fight fans are in for a big treat.

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.