Cecilia Brækhus Talks Abel Sanchez And Training At Big Bear

Cecilia Brækhus (36-0, 9KO) is itching to lace up her gloves and return to the ring. Thankfully, the undisputed women’s welterweight champion does not have to wait long with her bout against the unified super-lightweight champion Jessica McCaskill (8-2, 3 KO) set to take place on Sat. August 15 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The pair will fight at welterweight and will main event Matchroom Boxings’ return to the US.

Brækhus, 38, has been preparing for this bout since the start of the year, working with trainer Abel Sanchez in the Big Bear mountains.

“I’ve been in Big Bear since January because I wanted to be back in the ring as soon as possible and wanted everyone to know that I’d be ready at the first opportunity,” Brækhus says.

“I’m in the best shape ever, I feel amazing. I feel strong, I’m in the best condition I’ve ever been in, and I’ve worked great with Abel. We’ve made small adjustments; we’re not trying to make me a new fighter, but just take the things that I’m already good at and adding things to it to make me a more complete and dangerous fighter.

“Working with Abel has been so much fun, I’m learning and developing every day and I’m having a great time.”

Sanchez is one of the most respected trainers in boxing, and at 79 years-of-age there is little in the sport the veteran trainer has not come across. This is the second fight camp that Brækhus and Sanchez have worked together, after teaming up last year before Brækhus’ fight with Victoria Noelia Bustos.

“I’m in an amazing place in Big Bear, training in the heart of nature, with the mountains and the fresh air, it’s a home away from home as it’s what I grew up with in Norway.

“Abel is so professional and has worked with so many champions. I don’t have to tell him anything or explain anything. We just get down to work. He is a great guy, a motivator, and that’s something that doesn’t get mentioned very often. The training in Big Bear is brutal, but Abel leads by example, and that’s really important.”

If she can get past McCaskill, Brækhus will have racked up 26 consecutive title defenses, breaking the record of 25 she currently shares with the legendary Joe Louis. Not a bad legacy for a fighter who struggled to find people willing to train her when she first started out.