Trailblazer Cecilia Braekhus ready to defy odds against Terri Harper in 2023 boxing fight

On top of the boxing world for several years, former undisputed welterweight champ Cecilia Braekhus is a trailblazer. “The First Lady” of boxing had to fight to forge her own path in the sport and her subsequent success makes her a surefire Hall of Famer.

Braekhus, now 42, challenges Terri Harper for the WBA super welterweight title on October 7 at the Utilita Arena Sheffield in Sheffield, England. The vacant WBO title will also be on the line in what is the co-main event to Leigh Wood vs. Josh Warrington.

A silver medalist in the 2005 World Championships, Braekhus turned pro in 2007. The Norwegian star won the vacant WBA and WBC welterweight titles in 2009 by defeating Vinni Skovgaard. Braekhus then won the WBA title in 2010 by thrashing Victoria Cisneros, and the IBF title from Ivana Habazin in 2014. She competed in 25 straight successful title defenses, tying with legendary heavyweight champ Joe Louis.

WATCH: Wood vs. Warrington, exclusively live on DAZN

For over 13 years, Braekhus beat every opponent put in front of her. She started out at a time when women’s boxing didn’t get proper coverage and is regarded as a pioneer for the sport. Braekhus also managed to fight in the final HBO Boxing show, which is a fun Jeopardy-like trivia topic.

Now, thanks to fights…