The Legacy of the “First Lady”: Pepe Sulaimán Presents a Historic Interview with Legend Cecilia Braekhus

In an ongoing effort to document the voices that have shaped the history of the sport, we invite you to revisit one of the most profound conversations with the preeminent figure of Norwegian boxing: Cecilia Braekhus.

This audiovisual piece—an exclusive 26-minute interview conducted by Pepe Sulaimán in 2022—is part of a select series of content produced under his direction. The project’s fundamental mission is to preserve the historical memory of pugilism, paying a well-deserved tribute to those who, through discipline and sacrifice, broke barriers and transformed the sport forever.

To speak of Cecilia “First Lady” Braekhus is to speak of one of the most prolific and dominant careers in boxing history. Braekhus made history by becoming the first woman in any division to hold titles from all four major sanctioning bodies (WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO) simultaneously, remaining the undisputed welterweight champion for nearly six years.

Throughout this 26-minute dialogue, Pepe Sulaimán captures unprecedented reflections from the champion. Moving beyond the belts, the interview explores the challenges of being a pioneer in a traditionally male-dominated sport, her deepest motivations, and her vision for the future of the next generation of female fighters.