Cecilia “The First Lady” Brækhus is done playing it safe. Three days before what she swears will be her last time under the lights, the 42-year-old legend told Norwegian media she’s not coasting into retirement. Instead, she’s chasing one more belt run against a younger, fresher champion. Saturday night at Nova Spektrum in Lillestrøm, Norway, Brækhus fights WBO/WBC junior middleweight queen Ema “The Princess” Kozin — live worldwide on UFC Fight Pass.
“The preparations have been perfect,” Brækhus said. “I started in Storefjell, the Norwegian mountains, and continued with a training camp in London, and ended it with a week here in Lillestrøm. It’s been a fantastic journey towards my final fight.”
Brækhus Refuses a Soft Goodbye
The former undisputed welterweight queen knows she could have picked a soft touch. She didn’t.
“I could have picked an easy fight to end my career. But this is not a show fight,” Brækhus said. “It’s going to be a really hard fight against a tough opponent, but that will make the victory extra satisfying.”
Kozin, 25, is rolling in as the defending champ and a big, physical southpaw — exactly the type of fighter most would avoid for a farewell night. Brækhus isn’t fazed. “Kozin is in top shape, she’s a physically strong fighter. She’s a southpaw, which is challenging, but I definitely see myself as the best boxer here, several levels above her. And I think Ema Kozin underestimates my physical shape, which is a big advantage for me.”
Kozin Says She’s the Real Favorite
For Kozin, this isn’t about nostalgia. She made it clear she’s coming to spoil the party.
“Cecilia was one of my role models, and she’s had an amazing career,” Kozin said. “But I feel great and I cannot wait to step into the ring.”
She’s confident the layoff hasn’t hurt her. “The last weeks have been terrific. We had a lot of work to do, but we did it, and I feel fantastic. It’s good to be back.”
And she’s not buying into the underdog role. “As I see it: I am the favorite. I am the champion, she’s the challenger. But she had a remarkable career behind her, and maybe many will see her as a favorite, but I’ve made huge progress in two years and nobody knows how good I am. I will be victorious, any way possible.”
From the Corner:
Brækhus isn’t chasing an easy payday; she’s stepping right into the fire. Gotta respect that. But let’s keep it real — Kozin’s younger, bigger, and riding momentum. Brækhus is banking on experience and pride to close the show, but that two-year layoff Kozin mentions? It cuts both ways. Could mean rust. Could mean she’s leveled up quietly. My gut says this fight’s closer than the nostalgia crowd wants to believe. If Brækhus can control the pace and jab smart, she can sneak out one last belt. If not, she might find out the hard way that farewell tours don’t always end pretty.
This fight not about belts or age, it’s about heart ❤️! And I think Brækhus got more heart than anyone in boxing today even if she’s older.
Yeah bro I feel the same! People forget fighting ain’t always about numbers or stats, it’s about who wants it more.
Kozin say nobody know how good she is yet but that also mean we don’t know if she’s ready for a legend like Brækhus either 😤. She’s talking big, now let’s see if she can back it up!
‘Nostalgia crowd’ is right cause people only rooting for Brækhus cause of what she did in past. That ain’t gonna help her now when punches start flying from someone younger and stronger 💯.
Kozin say she the favorite but I think she just scared deep down 😅. If you really confident, you don’t gotta talk so much before the fight. Let your fists speak!
Brækhus should of picked an easier fight if this her last one. Why risk going out with a loss? It’s not smart to try proving something when your body ain’t what it used to be.
Kozin talkin like she already won but she forgot who Brækhus is. Just cause you younger don’t mean you better. Old dogs got tricks too 🥊.
True Archie! These young fighters think age means weak but Brækhus been through wars in the ring, that counts way more than just being young.
People keep sayin Brækhus got experience but that don’t mean nothin when your body old and slow. Kozin is fast and tough and gonna beat her easy cause time don’t wait for nobody.
I don’t think Brækhus should be fighting no more. She’s 42 and that’s just too old to be boxing someone who’s young and strong like Kozin. This ain’t about pride, it’s about safety.
I agree with you Jasmine. She already had her time. Now she should sit back and let the new fighters shine. Chasing belts at this age just sounds desperate 😕.