The New Year has seen a historic innovation take place at Sauerland Event: Norwegian star Cecilia Braekhus has become the first female boxer to be signed. The “First Lady” – as she will be known to her fans – has impressed her new coach Ulli Wegner and Sauerland managing director Chris Meyer equally much. “Her tremendous popularity and her great success have convinced us,” Meyer said..
“Cecilia is not just the first female boxer at Sauerland but also a future world champion. We´re thrilled to have her on board.”
One year ago, the 25-year-old fought on the Valuev undercard in Basle. Wegner could not keep his eyes off her in the following, carefully assessing her potential. After three more fights, the decision was made to give her a contract. “I am really looking forward to coaching a female athlete,” Wegner said. “There are a lot of things my boys can learn from her. She´s got what it takes to be a world champion.”
Braekhus, born in Colombia with Norwegian parents, started kick-boxing at the age of 14. She triumphed at the World and European Championships before changing to boxing eight years later. Again she became World and European Amateur champion and eventually turned pro in January 2007, defeating Ksenija Koprek on points. Braekhus is a huge fan and media darling in Norway, and she is looking to continue her success as a pro. “It´s my goal to be a world champion one day,” she said. “Team Sauerland give me all the support I need. I will pay back their confidence with a lot of wins. For me it´s a great honour to be part of such a high-profile boxing stable.”
The “First Lady” has already hit it off with her new coach. “He looks very strict on TV but if you meet him in person he is a very nice guy – a true gentleman”, Braekhus (4-0, 1 KO) said of Ulli Wegner. “It´s been great to work with him.” The duo will be in action on January 26 on the Povetkin undercard.