Cecilia Braekhus – The interview I never had

Brilliant, effervescent, attractive, smart, multi lingual and the first ever Undisputed Woman Boxing Champion, Cecilia Braekhus has earned the superstar nickname: The First Lady of Boxing.

Cecilia talked with our Pepe Sulaiman, as part of his Series entitled: The Interview I Never Had, which disarmingly but so effectively convinces plus charms champions, to open up and reveal who they really are, through what they actually do, and how they tangibly achieve it.

A wondrous professional boxing career, which began in 2007 and is still ongoing, Cecilia was undisputed Female Welterweight Champion 2014-2020. She is the first woman to simultaneously hold the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO titles, with authority, power, but also grace and good sportswomanship, which so aptly defines her.

At fourteen years old, Cecilia fell in love with martial arts, but the sport was far from enamored with her individually or girls generally taking part. Her parents who love her dearly were also concerned and didn`t approve, so for a year, Cecilia had to climb out of a window at home and go training in secret. She remembers: “I just kept going, because I wanted to be good at this, and it gave me such a tremendous feeling of self- worth, to achieve and conquer the sports of martial arts and boxing, especially as a girl, because I was told, you should not be doing this.”

Dedication to her chosen sport was the driving force for Cecilia. She initially had to work three jobs to fund herself. Professional boxing was still illegal in Norway, so it was up sticks and a move to Germany, in her successful quest to become a world Champion. It was sometimes…no often tough, being the only girl in the gym, sparring the bigger and stronger men, which made Cecilia tough, and hardened her in a controlled environment, but none the less some hard knocks. Cecilia described it this way: “You have to push yourself, as you`re not meant to be some ornament in the corner.”

Cecilia calmly, smilingly but firmly insists that a woman can be tough, strong, competitive, aggressive in the ring and ambitious, but remain one hundred percent feminine. For years, women weren`t given the same opportunities as men and many had a late start in boxing. Women have had to battle extra hard to the point where they are nowadays headlining. Cecilia laughs with a degree of modesty but also justified satisfaction to rightfully claim she was way ahead, opening the doors for the coming generations.

Boxing is so much about skills, but also the unwavering confidence to apply them with split second, unwavering judgment, tempered by serenity. Cecilia crystal clear clarifies: “When I step into the ring, I want everyone to know that I have control. Full control. This is my ring, and I`m going to do what I want here! I`m calm and I`m ready to do what I`m here to do.”

Afraid is not the right word: “But everyone gets nervous and anxious before the fight. If anyone says anything else, then it`s a complete lie. Your job is to control those emotions. This is what the best fighters do, and do well.”

Once the contest is underway, the butterflies dissipate, as you try to float like one, buzzing, while avoiding bumbling. Cecilia describes it as similar to a game of chess. Intelligence is a huge part of boxing at the top. You have to read, interpret and anticipate your opponent. Akin to the chess board, there are never ending moves within the squared ropes of a boxing ring. Cecilia said: “I`ve been in this sport twenty years and I still have so much to learn because it`s so complex. You have to make split second decisions and it`s so extremely intense. I myself am more mentally than physically tired in some fights.

“There are so many emotions. You can be so tired and your body is hurting and you think, why am I doing this? It`s for the sheer joy of accomplishing something that no one else can achieve.

“There have been so many incredible moments. When I first won my WBC Belt. When I became Undisputed Champion and then coming to Norway to fight in front of ten thousand people. I was the first boxer to fight in Norway since 1981.”

After all these years, Cecilia still loves going to the gym and sometimes it`s the small achievements, improvements and advancements there, which provide the greatest pleasure, pride and happiness. She said: “I`ve never once regretted taking this road. Boxing has given me a worldwide family. The chance to do something that really doesn`t have borders and doesn`t need an explanation as it`s the universal language.”

Cecilia is nostalgic, but forward looking in much greater measure and to a much greater degree. During this interview she welcomes today`s discussion and openness about mental health saying she is very glad things are changing for the next generation.

Cecilia Braekhus is a pioneering inspiration for the new generation of young women and young men, who are striving to be boxing champions. A Great who`s a Great Talker, A Great Doer and a Great Achiever.

Someone who knows that erudite is the verbal glue cementing strategy, which has the minty tang of tactics rather than tic-tacks.

Have a look, have a listen, have a ponder and a muse. For those who truly love boxing, it`s music to the ears!