Cecilia Braekhus (27-0, 7 KOs) is arguably the best female boxer in the world. The 33-year-old Norwegian is beginning a cross-promotional venture with K2 Promotions and IMG as she takes on German triple-titleholder Ramona “Wild Dragon” Kühne (23-1, 8 KOs) on October 24 at the ESPRIT arena in Düsseldorf. The bout will be part of the undercard for the Wladimir Klitschko vs. Tyson Fury world heavyweight title bout.
Braekhus is known as the “First Lady of Boxing,” which seems a fitting moniker for a fighter who holds a fleet of title belts—including the WBA strap (WBC/WBO/IBO and IBF champion). She’s been the WBA champion since she defeated Vinni Skovgaard in 2009.
Her masterful boxing prowess and striking looks have made her a fan favorite and star in the sport. Competing on the same card as Klitschko and Fury will only augment her notoriety and exposure within the boxing community.
It’s been 11 months since Braekhus last fought. She successfully defended her fourth world title by decisioning IBO titleholder Jennifer Ratzke. Braekhus injured her right foot in the bout, and has been out of action while the injury heeled. She knows Kühne isn’t an easy opponent to face in her return to the ring.
“This will be a great challenge for me after my injury and great fight for the both of us,” Braehkus said. “Kühne is a very skilled boxer and she’s fast. It motivates me a lot. But I’m much more powerful than her. I can promise a fight worth seeing, but there’s no doubt she’ll end up in lots of trouble.”
Kühne is the WBO/WIBF and WBF Super Featherweight World Champion, and she’s coming off a decision victory over Austrian Doris Koehle on August 1. Kühne not only has to deal with a fairly quick turnaround in this fight, she’s also going to be facing an opponent who is naturally bigger and stronger. She’s coming up 12 pounds to face Braekhus.
She does have a great deal of experience. The 35-year-old German has 13 successful world title bouts on her resume, and she has fought at featherweight, lightweight and light welterweight in her career. Even with all her accomplishments, facing Braekhus represents the stiffest challenge Kühne’s has seen as a pro.
Brækhus has been in training for the bout since mid-August. Under the tutelage of her new trainer Johnathan Banks—who also trains Klitschko—Braekhus has been preparing at the legendary Kronk Gym in Detroit, Michigan.
“Training with Johnathon has taken my boxing to a new level. It’s been hard, but my fans will see a stronger, faster and wiser champion when I return to the ring in Düsseldorf. I can’t wait,” Braekhus said.
As much as Braekhus is preparing for a tough opponent, she’s also getting ready to perform in front of a huge live audience in the 55,000-seat ESPRIT arena.
“I’m very eager to show my true fans—especially the Norwegian audience, who have supported me faithfully throughout my whole career—that I’m still the undisputed number one,” Braekhus said.
The event will be available on pay-per-view in Nordic countries on Viasat satellite, and online through Viably in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Klitschko vs. Fury will be broadcast live by RTL in German-speaking countries, Sky Sports Box Office in Great Britain, and on HBO in the United States.
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.
