Former undisputed welterweight champion Cecilia Brækhus 36-1 (9) has vowed to “take back what’s mine” when she rematches conqueror Jessica McCaskill 9-2 (3) at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN.
Brækhus suffered the first loss of her glittering career at the hands of McCaskill in Tulsa, Oklahoma in August, with the Chicagoan taking her titles and preventing her from breaking Joe Louis’ record of consecutive world title defences.
In a close fight, Caskill was awarded the win by majority decision with scores of 97-93, 97-94 and 95-95. Brækhus was stunned at the result, believing she did enough to claim victory.
The 39-year-old Norwegian hinted at retirement in her immediate post-fight speech but within days of that loss she activated the rematch clause and is now determined to settle the score and reclaim her property.
“I know I am a better fighter than Jessica in every possible way – I’m back for me,” said Brækhus.
“I’ve done it all in boxing; first undisputed women’s champion, first Ring Magazine champion, sold-out arenas, hit one million viewers, sold pay-per-views – Saturday is just about taking the belts back because I am better.
“I’ve been in so many fights in my career and I knew that I did enough to win the first fight. I was a little bit naive. I didn’t consider that I was on her home turf, I won’t make that mistake again.
“Those belts are rightfully mine and I want to make a statement on Saturday, I’ll be completely different from the last fight, I’m in peak shape and I am happy.
“It’s fine to do some talking before the fight to promote it, but it’s not personal for me. She started talking about me and my team 24 hours after the last fight and I lost respect for her. You can’t be offended or take anything personally by someone you don’t respect. I feel calm and I am ready to get my belts back.”
The McCaskill versus Brækhus clash will be part of a huge night of action in Dallas headlined by the super flyweight unification bout between WBC champion Juan Francisco Estrada and WBA boss Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez. WBA junior flyweight champion Hiroto Kyoguchi will defend his belt against Axel Vega.
