Jessica McCaskill solidified her position as a major player in women’s boxing. Cecilia Braekhus’ future is in doubt.
McCaskill, who defeated Braekhus by a majority decision to take Braekhus’ welterweight titles in August, won more handily on the Juan Francisco Estrada-Roman Gonzalez card Saturday at American Airlines Center in Dallas.
The champion won the 10-round bout by scores of 100-89, 99-90 and 98-91 this time to retain her titles. Boxing Junkie scored it 96-93 for McCaskill.
McCaskill (10-2, 3 KOs) pushed the action the entire fight, moving forward and winging punches. Her overhand right was particularly effective, particularly in the first half of the fight.
Braekhus (36-2, 9 KOs) came on strong in the second half of the fight, as she picked up her pace. However, like the first fight, it was too little, too late for the “First Lady.”
She also lost a point for holding in the seventh round.
The victory puts McCaskill in a strong position. The obvious opponent for her is undefeated junior welterweight titleholder Katie Taylor, who presumably would welcome McCaskill to the U.K. for a women’s superfight.
McCaskill said she’s open to that and other possibilities.
“If Katie Taylor is the next one, let’s go,” she said. “If Claressa [Shields] wants to come down to 147, if she can make the weight … we have a lot of options.”
Braekhus, 39, said immediately after the first setback that she would consider retirement. She was asked again about that possibility after the fight Saturday.
The once-dominating fighter doesn’t plan to go anywhere.
“I say, Jessica, meet me at 147, which is the welterweight division,” said Braekhus, referring to the 145-pound catch weight for the fight. “I definitely want a rematch at 147.”
If that doesn’t happen?
“I love boxing,” he said. “If there is a good fight out there for me, I’ll take it.”