The Ladies Take the Stage
Undisputed female welterweight champion Cecilia Braekhus(34-0,9 KOs) prepares to defend her titles against Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (18-4-3, KOs) of Poland.
Date: Saturday, December 8, 2018
Location: StubHub Center in Carson, California
Time: 10:20 p.m. (ET)
Where to watch: HBO
Don’t forget about the lady warriors.
Since its inception into the mainstream media, boxing has always been considered a “man’s sport.” In peak form, two gladiators enter the ring to duke it out for pride, glory, and livelihood. While the bright lights of fame have focused primarily on men, deep in the shadows are the lady warriors of boxing. The fierce competitors are as dedicated to their craft as their male counterparts, but sadly, receive less adulation.
I’ve often sat contemplating, why this is. At one point, the future looked bright for women involved in the “gladiator sport.” A tidal wave of entertainment lead by Leila Ali, Christy Martin, Ann Wolfe, and Mia St. John dazzled spectators. Their domineering personalities accompanied by an unwavering attitude towards changing the status quo of boxing made you watch. However, the promising light that once shined has now begun to dim a bit and media attention is starting to wane. Enough isn’t spoken or written about today’s female champions, who for all intents and purposes, have no problem fighting often.
Nonetheless, we have to do more to not only promote them but, balance the scales for our lady warriors.
Cecilia Braekhus
Possibly the most dominating female boxer to ever grace the ring, Cecilia Braekhus has beaten every challenger in her path. The Columbian-born Norwegian has reigned supreme since her professional debut in November of 2007. Additionally, Guinness Book of Records has recognized and awarded her three times for her career’s astounding accomplishments. For me, watching Braekhus collect championships is a treat. At 37 years of age, her rhythmic movement and straight jab are still the very essences of the sport.
In July, Braekhus traveled to Russia and defended her titles against Inna Sagaydakovskaya (7-0, 3 KOs). In typical dominant fashion, she out-boxed the aggressive Russian from beginning to end.
Advice to Braekhus: Box. Don’t get over anxious because of the audience.
Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes
The former WBC Silver champion stumbled into boxing as a way to get in shape in her early twenties. However, like most, the sport captivated her, and after a short amateur career, she turned professional in March of 2009. The road hasn’t been easy for the polish boxer. She’s battled the challenges of maintaining a day job as an attorney and moonlighting as a boxer.
Nonetheless, the female fighter is following a dream and will compete in the most meaningful fight of her career on Saturday.
Advice to Lopes:
Don’t let Braekhus sit back and box; stay active and punch from her everywhere.
Outcome:
Braekhus wins by UD.
By: Cessell Robinson
