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A step closer to ‘the greatest of all time’ fight? Possible Taylor foe Cecilia Braekhus signs with Matchroom

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Undisputed World Female Welterweight Champion Cecilia Braekhus [35(9)-0] has become Katie Taylor’s stable mate after signing a a multi-fight deal with Matchroom.

‘The First Lady’ has been mooted as potential future foe for Taylor for some time now.

Indeed, only for the weight discrepancy the pair would be nailed on to fight in what would certainly be billed as the biggest female fight of all time- some might go as far as to suggest it could be sold as a ‘greatest of all time’ clash.

Such is the draw of both elite operators that it is still a talked about fight. It’s also a potential clash Team Taylor, Braekhus and indeed the undisputed lightweight world champion herself have raised regularly.

With Taylor challenging Christina Linardatou for the WBO light welterweight world title in Manchester on November 2nd, a meeting with Amanda Serrano in the works, as well as rematches with Delfine Persoon and Jessica McCaskill on the agenda for 2020, the Braekhus fight, which would happen at a catchweight, may not take place until 2021.

However, it has to be noted, that after today’s events, it’s now easier to make and a step closer to eventually playing out.

Pound-for-pound star Braekhus of Bergen, Norway won her first World honours back in 2009, when she unanimously outpointed Denmarkā€™s Vinni Skovgaard in Germany to claim the WBC and WBA World female Welterweight titles.

‘First Lady’ went on to successfully defend her unified status twice in that same year, before adding the WBO title to her growing collection in May of 2010, in what was just her 14th professional bout.

Achieving historical greatness in September 2014, Braekhus traveled to Denmark where she won a dominant decision over Ivana Habazin claiming the IBF title and becoming the first woman to be crowned ā€˜Undisputedā€™, a title she continues to hold.

Braekhus has since defended her four-belt crown on nine occasions including four times in her native Norway where she was instrumental in having the 33-year ban on professional boxing lifted.

Details of her first fight under the Matchroom Boxing banner will be announced shortly.

“I’m very proud to announce that I am joining forces with Matchroom Boxing for the next chapter of my journey,ā€ Braekhus. ā€œAs always I’ll be looking for the biggest fights and the toughest challenges in the ring. Thanks very much to my fans all over the world who have supported me for so many years, I’m excited to return to the ring soon. Thanks also to my team who have worked diligently to make this happen.”

“Iā€™m delighted to welcome Cecilia to the team and I’m very excited for the future,” said Eddie Hearn. “Cecilia has been a pioneer of womenā€™s boxing and is established as one of the biggest stars in the sport. Right now womenā€™s boxing is stronger than ever and there are some huge fights and events to be made over the next few years that I fully expect Cecilia to be a major part of.”

Tom Loeffler, advisor to Braekhus, said: “Working with Matchroom Boxing and DAZN will provide Cecilia the opportunity to get the high profile fights she’s been looking for. Cecilia had a tremendous last year and looks to continue her dominance as the best pound-for-pound female champion in 2020.”

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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