Tag: cecilia braekhus

Jessica McCaskill vs. Cecelia Braekhus II confirmed for Estrada-Gonzalez card

The Jessica McCaskill vs. Cecelia Braekhus rematch has been confirmed for the Juan Francisco Estrada-Roman Gonzalez card on March 13.

Editor’s note: This article was originally posted on DAZN.com.

***

Jessica McCaskill and Cecelia Brækhus will again do battle for the undisputed women’s welterweight championship on Mar. 13 at American Airlines Center in Dallas on DAZN.

McCaskill (9-2, 3 KOs) upset the previously undefeated Braekhus (36-1, 9 KOs) by a majority decision on the streets of downtown Tulsa, Okla. on Aug. 15, ending the Norwegian’s run of successful title defenses at 24.

McCaskill, making her initial defense, is determined to prove the first fight was no fluke.

“I interrupted her career in the first fight,” McCaskill said. “I will end her career in the rematch.”

Said Braekhus: “I’m very focused on regaining all of my undisputed belts on March 13 in the rematch against Jessica. It will be a very special night in Dallas for my supporters and for all of my worldwide fans who can watch the fight on DAZN.”

The fight will slot in beneath another big rematch, as Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman Gonzalez run it back in a junior bantamweight title-unification bout eight-plus years after their first fight.

Also confirmed for the card is a third title fight, as Hiroto Kyoguchi (14-0, 9 KOs) will defend his junior flyweight title against Axel Vega (14-3-1, 8 KOs).

Kyoguchi will make his third defense of the belt he won by stopping Heikke Budler in December 2018.

“I’m very happy to make my debut in the U.S. under the guidance and management of Eddy Reynoso and with my promoter Eddie Hearn and Matchroom,” said Kyoguchi.

“I want to thank them for the chance to prove that Japanese boxing is the best in the world. I am very grateful to them, and we will put everything into becoming a star in the boxing world.”

Said Vega: “I’m very happy to receive this world title shot. Kyoguchi is a great champion, but I’m a hungry young contender and will conquer the championship on March 13.”

Some spectators will be allowed into the arena. News on ticket sales and prices will be made by Matchroom in due course.

 

Jessica McCaskill vs. Cecelia Braekhus II confirmed for Estrada-Gonzalez card

The Jessica McCaskill vs. Cecelia Braekhus rematch has been confirmed for the Juan Francisco Estrada-Roman Gonzalez card on March 13.

Editor’s note: This article was originally posted on DAZN.com.

***

Jessica McCaskill and Cecelia Brækhus will again do battle for the undisputed women’s welterweight championship on Mar. 13 at American Airlines Center in Dallas on DAZN.

McCaskill (9-2, 3 KOs) upset the previously undefeated Braekhus (36-1, 9 KOs) by a majority decision on the streets of downtown Tulsa, Okla. on Aug. 15, ending the Norwegian’s run of successful title defenses at 24.

McCaskill, making her initial defense, is determined to prove the first fight was no fluke.

“I interrupted her career in the first fight,” McCaskill said. “I will end her career in the rematch.”

Said Braekhus: “I’m very focused on regaining all of my undisputed belts on March 13 in the rematch against Jessica. It will be a very special night in Dallas for my supporters and for all of my worldwide fans who can watch the fight on DAZN.”

The fight will slot in beneath another big rematch, as Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman Gonzalez run it back in a junior bantamweight title-unification bout eight-plus years after their first fight.

Also confirmed for the card is a third title fight, as Hiroto Kyoguchi (14-0, 9 KOs) will defend his junior flyweight title against Axel Vega (14-3-1, 8 KOs).

Kyoguchi will make his third defense of the belt he won by stopping Heikke Budler in December 2018.

“I’m very happy to make my debut in the U.S. under the guidance and management of Eddy Reynoso and with my promoter Eddie Hearn and Matchroom,” said Kyoguchi.

“I want to thank them for the chance to prove that Japanese boxing is the best in the world. I am very grateful to them, and we will put everything into becoming a star in the boxing world.”

Said Vega: “I’m very happy to receive this world title shot. Kyoguchi is a great champion, but I’m a hungry young contender and will conquer the championship on March 13.”

Some spectators will be allowed into the arena. News on ticket sales and prices will be made by Matchroom in due course.

 

Katie Taylor outpoints tough, but overmatched Miriam Gutierrez

Katie Taylor outpointed tough, but overmatched Miriam Gutierrez on Saturday in London.

When durability is your greatest quality, it’s difficult to win fights. Especially when you’re facing Katie Taylor.

The undisputed lightweight champion outclassed a game, but overmatched Miriam Gutierrez on Saturday night at SSE Arena in London, delivering a beating en route to a near-shutout victory to retain her titles.

The former Olympic champion from Ireland was coming off a rough fight in her rematch with Delfine Persoon on Aug. 22, which Taylor won by a unanimous decision. Some wondered whether the relatively quick turnaround – less than three months – would have an adverse effect on Taylor.

It didn’t.

Taylor (17-0, 6 KOs) seemed perfectly fresh, perfectly fit, and was better than Gutierrez in every way, which made the mission of the 37-year-old from Spain — a late comer to boxing — all but impossible. The only thing she could do was survive.

Miriam Gutierrez (left) never stopped trying but didn’t have the tools to compete with Katie Tayor. Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing

The champion seemed to be on the verge of a knockout in the opening moments, when she stunned the challenger and then followed with a flurry of hard punches with Gutierrez’s back against the ropes. Gutierrez survived.

A left hook jolted Gutierrez (13-1, 5 KOs) in Round 3. That was followed by another barrage of stiff, accurate shots. She survived.

Taylor put her opponent down with a right-left combination a split second before the bell to end Round 4. She survived.

And, from Rounds 5 to 10, Taylor unloaded more punishing volleys at various moments in attempt to score an elusive knockout, some of which seemed to have referee John Latham thinking about stopping the fight. It just didn’t happen. Gutierrez survived.

That was the loser’s only consolation. The scores were 100-89, 100-90 and a generous 99-91, which reflected Taylor’s utter dominance in the mismatch. Boxing Junkie had it 100-89, a shutout.

“I’m very, very satisfied,” Taylor said. “… She was very, very tough. I was trying my best to get her out of there but she kept firing back. She’s very durable. She obviously was a lot bigger and stronger than I am.

“… I would’ve liked a stoppage today, but overall I thought it was a great performance.”

Taylor, 34, has no plans to slow down.

“I feel like we’re just getting better and better,” she said. “… People keep mentioning legacy. It’s all about legacy. I want to make history in this sport and inspire the next generation of fighters.”

What’s next for her? Promoter Eddie Hearn, standing at her side after the fight, said options abound.

“I like the winner of [the Cecilia] Braekhus-[Jessica] McCaskill [rematch],” he said. “We’ve got Chantelle Cameron soon at 140. That’s a big fight. We have Natasha Jonas. Terri Harper can come up from 130. Mikaela Mayer. There are so many challenges.

“And [Taylor] won’t duck any of them. I couldn’t suggest a fight she wouldn’t take.”

[lawrence-related id=15538,15535]

Katie Taylor outpoints tough, but overmatched Miriam Gutierrez

Katie Taylor outpointed tough, but overmatched Miriam Gutierrez on Saturday in London.

When durability is your greatest quality, it’s difficult to win fights. Especially when you’re facing Katie Taylor.

The undisputed lightweight champion outclassed a game, but overmatched Miriam Gutierrez on Saturday night at SSE Arena in London, delivering a beating en route to a near-shutout victory to retain her titles.

The former Olympic champion from Ireland was coming off a rough fight in her rematch with Delfine Persoon on Aug. 22, which Taylor won by a unanimous decision. Some wondered whether the relatively quick turnaround – less than three months – would have an adverse effect on Taylor.

It didn’t.

Taylor (17-0, 6 KOs) seemed perfectly fresh, perfectly fit, and was better than Gutierrez in every way, which made the mission of the 37-year-old from Spain — a late comer to boxing — all but impossible. The only thing she could do was survive.

Miriam Gutierrez (left) never stopped trying but didn’t have the tools to compete with Katie Tayor. Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing

The champion seemed to be on the verge of a knockout in the opening moments, when she stunned the challenger and then followed with a flurry of hard punches with Gutierrez’s back against the ropes. Gutierrez survived.

A left hook jolted Gutierrez (13-1, 5 KOs) in Round 3. That was followed by another barrage of stiff, accurate shots. She survived.

Taylor put her opponent down with a right-left combination a split second before the bell to end Round 4. She survived.

And, from Rounds 5 to 10, Taylor unloaded more punishing volleys at various moments in attempt to score an elusive knockout, some of which seemed to have referee John Latham thinking about stopping the fight. It just didn’t happen. Gutierrez survived.

That was the loser’s only consolation. The scores were 100-89, 100-90 and a generous 99-91, which reflected Taylor’s utter dominance in the mismatch. Boxing Junkie had it 100-89, a shutout.

“I’m very, very satisfied,” Taylor said. “… She was very, very tough. I was trying my best to get her out of there but she kept firing back. She’s very durable. She obviously was a lot bigger and stronger than I am.

“… I would’ve liked a stoppage today, but overall I thought it was a great performance.”

Taylor, 34, has no plans to slow down.

“I feel like we’re just getting better and better,” she said. “… People keep mentioning legacy. It’s all about legacy. I want to make history in this sport and inspire the next generation of fighters.”

What’s next for her? Promoter Eddie Hearn, standing at her side after the fight, said options abound.

“I like the winner of [the Cecilia] Braekhus-[Jessica] McCaskill [rematch],” he said. “We’ve got Chantelle Cameron soon at 140. That’s a big fight. We have Natasha Jonas. Terri Harper can come up from 130. Mikaela Mayer. There are so many challenges.

“And [Taylor] won’t duck any of them. I couldn’t suggest a fight she wouldn’t take.”

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Katie Taylor talks potential fights with Cris Cyborg, Claressa Shields

Katie Taylor has expressed a desire to fight the biggest names in boxing and one MMA star.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on DAZN.com.

***

As the women’s undisputed lightweight champion, Ireland’s Katie Taylor is constantly linked with dream bouts against elite fighters not just in her weight class but in neighboring divisions and even other sports.

During her preparations for the mandatory title defense against Miriam Gutierrez on Saturday in London, Taylor sat down to talk boxing with DAZN’s Chris Mannix.

While she remains focused on the task at hand, Mannix encouraged her to play along with a game asking her to rate potential future opponents on a 1-10 scale, with 10 meaning she would absolutely love the matchup and 1 meaning she’s not interested.

The first name offered by Mannix came from outside boxing altogether: MMA star Cris Cyborg.

“That’s a 10,” said Taylor (16-0, 6 KOs). “Whatever name you put out there, I’m very happy to fight. Obviously [Cris] is one of the biggest names in MMA. It’d probably have to be at a catchweight, and I hope the fight isn’t going to happen in a cage and it is going to happen in the ring.

“But it’s something I’m very interested in doing.”

Cyborg, who has also competed in grappling and Muay Thai in the past, was granted a boxing license in California in 2017 and has stated her interest in crossing over to take on Taylor.

The Olympic gold medalist also told Mannix that undisputed welterweight champion Jessica McCaskill (9-2, 3 KOs) and the woman McCaskill dethroned in August, Cecila Braekhus (36-1, 9 KOs), score a 10 on her interest-level rating, though a title rematch between her two rivals is likely to come first.

“I obviously fought McCaskill a few years ago,” said Taylor of her Dec. 13, 2017 win over the new welterweight champ, though McCaskill would be a different proposition if they meet again as she has improved.

“Braekhus has been the number one for a few years now. Both of those are fantastic, and I’d be happy to fight either of those girls.”

Mannix continued to roll on with big and seemingly unlikely bouts, next offering undefeated middleweight champion Claressa Shields (10-0, 2 KOs).

This received another enthusiastic “10” from Taylor, though she admitted it may be one of the most difficult to make happen.

“I think that’s a dream fight for everyone, isn’t it? she said. “A lot of people have her as number one pound-for-pound, so it’s a fight everyone dreams about.

“It’d have to be some sort of catchweight as well, because I walk around at 140 pounds and I definitely couldn’t go heavier than 147 pounds, but I’d be open to fighting at 147.”

Lastly, Taylor reiterated her desire to have at least one of these mouth-watering bouts in her native Ireland before she retires.

“It’d be an awful shame if I went my whole career without fighting in Ireland at some stage,” she said. “My fights have mostly been in the U.K. so far, but to have a fight in a packed stadium in Ireland at some point would be a dream.

“I want to be in the big fights, I want to be an active fighter, and I want to be in fights the fans want to see.”

[lawrence-related id=14687,13125]

Katie Taylor talks potential fights with Cris Cyborg, Claressa Shields

Katie Taylor has expressed a desire to fight the biggest names in boxing and one MMA star.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on DAZN.com.

***

As the women’s undisputed lightweight champion, Ireland’s Katie Taylor is constantly linked with dream bouts against elite fighters not just in her weight class but in neighboring divisions and even other sports.

During her preparations for the mandatory title defense against Miriam Gutierrez on Saturday in London, Taylor sat down to talk boxing with DAZN’s Chris Mannix.

While she remains focused on the task at hand, Mannix encouraged her to play along with a game asking her to rate potential future opponents on a 1-10 scale, with 10 meaning she would absolutely love the matchup and 1 meaning she’s not interested.

The first name offered by Mannix came from outside boxing altogether: MMA star Cris Cyborg.

“That’s a 10,” said Taylor (16-0, 6 KOs). “Whatever name you put out there, I’m very happy to fight. Obviously [Cris] is one of the biggest names in MMA. It’d probably have to be at a catchweight, and I hope the fight isn’t going to happen in a cage and it is going to happen in the ring.

“But it’s something I’m very interested in doing.”

Cyborg, who has also competed in grappling and Muay Thai in the past, was granted a boxing license in California in 2017 and has stated her interest in crossing over to take on Taylor.

The Olympic gold medalist also told Mannix that undisputed welterweight champion Jessica McCaskill (9-2, 3 KOs) and the woman McCaskill dethroned in August, Cecila Braekhus (36-1, 9 KOs), score a 10 on her interest-level rating, though a title rematch between her two rivals is likely to come first.

“I obviously fought McCaskill a few years ago,” said Taylor of her Dec. 13, 2017 win over the new welterweight champ, though McCaskill would be a different proposition if they meet again as she has improved.

“Braekhus has been the number one for a few years now. Both of those are fantastic, and I’d be happy to fight either of those girls.”

Mannix continued to roll on with big and seemingly unlikely bouts, next offering undefeated middleweight champion Claressa Shields (10-0, 2 KOs).

This received another enthusiastic “10” from Taylor, though she admitted it may be one of the most difficult to make happen.

“I think that’s a dream fight for everyone, isn’t it? she said. “A lot of people have her as number one pound-for-pound, so it’s a fight everyone dreams about.

“It’d have to be some sort of catchweight as well, because I walk around at 140 pounds and I definitely couldn’t go heavier than 147 pounds, but I’d be open to fighting at 147.”

Lastly, Taylor reiterated her desire to have at least one of these mouth-watering bouts in her native Ireland before she retires.

“It’d be an awful shame if I went my whole career without fighting in Ireland at some stage,” she said. “My fights have mostly been in the U.K. so far, but to have a fight in a packed stadium in Ireland at some point would be a dream.

“I want to be in the big fights, I want to be an active fighter, and I want to be in fights the fans want to see.”

[lawrence-related id=14687,13125]

Video: Saturday Fight Live: Jessica McCaskill vs. Cecilia Braekhus

Jessica McCaskill made history on Aug. 15 in Tulsa, Okla., handing Cecilia Braekhus her first defeat and becoming the undisputed welterweight champion in the process. McCaskill (9-2, 3 KOs) got off to a quick start, fought off a rally from Braekhus …

Jessica McCaskill made history on Aug. 15 in Tulsa, Okla., handing Cecilia Braekhus her first defeat and becoming the undisputed welterweight champion in the process.

McCaskill (9-2, 3 KOs) got off to a quick start, fought off a rally from Braekhus (36-1, 9 KOs) and emerged with a majority-decision victory — 95-95, 97-94 and 97-93.

They reportedly have agreed to fight a second time early next year, although no specific date or site has been announced.

In this installment of DAZN’s “Saturday Fight Live,” McCaskill and manger/trainer Rick Ramos watch the final round of the Braekhus fight and break it down.

[jwplayer GcWiHWfe]

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Video: Saturday Fight Live: Jessica McCaskill vs. Cecilia Braekhus

Jessica McCaskill made history on Aug. 15 in Tulsa, Okla., handing Cecilia Braekhus her first defeat and becoming the undisputed welterweight champion in the process. McCaskill (9-2, 3 KOs) got off to a quick start, fought off a rally from Braekhus …

Jessica McCaskill made history on Aug. 15 in Tulsa, Okla., handing Cecilia Braekhus her first defeat and becoming the undisputed welterweight champion in the process.

McCaskill (9-2, 3 KOs) got off to a quick start, fought off a rally from Braekhus (36-1, 9 KOs) and emerged with a majority-decision victory — 95-95, 97-94 and 97-93.

They reportedly have agreed to fight a second time early next year, although no specific date or site has been announced.

In this installment of DAZN’s “Saturday Fight Live,” McCaskill and manger/trainer Rick Ramos watch the final round of the Braekhus fight and break it down.

[jwplayer GcWiHWfe]

[lawrence-related id=13773,12919]

[vertical-gallery id=12932]

 

Jessica McCaskill, Cecilia Braekhus to meet again early next year

Cecilia Braekhus, who lost a decision to Jessica McCaskill on Aug. 15 in Tulsa, Okla., has exercised a rematch clause in their contract.

Jessica McCaskill and Cecilia Braekhus will do it again.

Braekhus, who lost a close decision, her perfect record and her welterweight titles against McCaskill on Aug. 15 in Tulsa, Okla., has exercised a rematch clause in their contract, Matchroom Boxing has announced.

The second fight will take place early next year, according to the promotional firm. No specific date or site was announced.

Braekhus (36-1, 9 KOs) said immediately after her setback that she would consider retirement.

“It was the weakest performance in my whole career,” Braekhus said. “I still feel I won, or could have got a draw, and when I thought about that, I knew I could beat her in a rematch. I didn’t want to go out with a career-worst performance either, I definitely owe that to my fans. If this was a fight where I lost to a better fighter, had been in my best shape and had given it my all, then fine, I could retire, but that was not the case here.

“She gave her everything in the ring, and I wanted to give her props for that, I knew what I was going through and what I was struggling with. For everyone this was just a tough time. But we need to meet again under different circumstances.

“It’s hard to explain exactly how I was in the ring that night. For everyone that has watched my other fights and been following me for a while, they saw that something was very wrong. So for me to come back after getting some time in Norway with my friends and family, spending time on my other projects and gaining my strength back and going back to training camp, I don’t need to do anything different to get the win.

“I learned how good I am. I was in bad shape, and I still feel like I beat a great fighter like Jessica, so my self-esteem is very high right now. A win or a draw would be OK but I also understand the emotional aspect of giving Jessica the win because she fought her heart out. If you were a judge and saw this, I can understand that.

“We never underestimated Jessica at all. These are unprecedented times and there’s no blueprint here, I didn’t have anyone that I could call and ask, ‘What do I do in this situation?’ This had never happened before so I just had to try my luck. There’s no-one to blame it just didn’t work out for us.

“The situation with no crowd didn’t bother me so much. It’s good in a way because it’s completely neutral. But it would be good to have fans for the rematch, it gives us more energy and a little extra. We don’t want three American judges next time that’s for sure. I think if it’s in America I will have to get the KO for sure, after meeting Jessica in the ring, I was never near getting KO’d, so I’m definitely not worried about that.”

McCaskill (9-2, 3 KOs) isn’t surprised Braekhus wants a second chance.

“That’s the fastest retirement I’ve ever seen in boxing history. She’s back!” McCaskill said. “We knew she would be back and that it would only be a matter of time. Usually those types of conversations straight after a fight [take place] to direct the audience’s eyes away from the loss. In this sport, so many people have said that they are retired and then come back to have fights.

“I gave her the belts back and just wanted to be the one to do that. There’s never been any bad blood, I could have had my team send the belts back but there was no reason not to give the belts back myself. … We went over to her room, and she was on the phone to her family. When she got off the phone, she made comments to passing the torch, and with her being beaten for the first time I think she expects someone else to carry on her legacy. And I have my own legacy to fulfill, and that’s where my focus is.

“Tulsa is over with and now I have to get up for the rematch, which is part of being professional and part of the gameplay. The only rematch I’ve had in my pro career was with Erica Farias, so it’s part of it and you cannot expect anything to motivate, you can’t expect your team to hype you up for a workout. What if they are not there that day? You can’t expect the fans to get you hyped for the fight because. What if there are no fans? I am a very mentally strong person, I can control how to get from point A to point B so I will be ready for it.”

McCaskill won the first fight by a majority decision, 95-95, 97-94 and 97-93.

[lawrence-related id=13361,13006,12999,12967,12962,12919]

Jessica McCaskill, Cecilia Braekhus to meet again early next year

Cecilia Braekhus, who lost a decision to Jessica McCaskill on Aug. 15 in Tulsa, Okla., has exercised a rematch clause in their contract.

Jessica McCaskill and Cecilia Braekhus will do it again.

Braekhus, who lost a close decision, her perfect record and her welterweight titles against McCaskill on Aug. 15 in Tulsa, Okla., has exercised a rematch clause in their contract, Matchroom Boxing has announced.

The second fight will take place early next year, according to the promotional firm. No specific date or site was announced.

Braekhus (36-1, 9 KOs) said immediately after her setback that she would consider retirement.

“It was the weakest performance in my whole career,” Braekhus said. “I still feel I won, or could have got a draw, and when I thought about that, I knew I could beat her in a rematch. I didn’t want to go out with a career-worst performance either, I definitely owe that to my fans. If this was a fight where I lost to a better fighter, had been in my best shape and had given it my all, then fine, I could retire, but that was not the case here.

“She gave her everything in the ring, and I wanted to give her props for that, I knew what I was going through and what I was struggling with. For everyone this was just a tough time. But we need to meet again under different circumstances.

“It’s hard to explain exactly how I was in the ring that night. For everyone that has watched my other fights and been following me for a while, they saw that something was very wrong. So for me to come back after getting some time in Norway with my friends and family, spending time on my other projects and gaining my strength back and going back to training camp, I don’t need to do anything different to get the win.

“I learned how good I am. I was in bad shape, and I still feel like I beat a great fighter like Jessica, so my self-esteem is very high right now. A win or a draw would be OK but I also understand the emotional aspect of giving Jessica the win because she fought her heart out. If you were a judge and saw this, I can understand that.

“We never underestimated Jessica at all. These are unprecedented times and there’s no blueprint here, I didn’t have anyone that I could call and ask, ‘What do I do in this situation?’ This had never happened before so I just had to try my luck. There’s no-one to blame it just didn’t work out for us.

“The situation with no crowd didn’t bother me so much. It’s good in a way because it’s completely neutral. But it would be good to have fans for the rematch, it gives us more energy and a little extra. We don’t want three American judges next time that’s for sure. I think if it’s in America I will have to get the KO for sure, after meeting Jessica in the ring, I was never near getting KO’d, so I’m definitely not worried about that.”

McCaskill (9-2, 3 KOs) isn’t surprised Braekhus wants a second chance.

“That’s the fastest retirement I’ve ever seen in boxing history. She’s back!” McCaskill said. “We knew she would be back and that it would only be a matter of time. Usually those types of conversations straight after a fight [take place] to direct the audience’s eyes away from the loss. In this sport, so many people have said that they are retired and then come back to have fights.

“I gave her the belts back and just wanted to be the one to do that. There’s never been any bad blood, I could have had my team send the belts back but there was no reason not to give the belts back myself. … We went over to her room, and she was on the phone to her family. When she got off the phone, she made comments to passing the torch, and with her being beaten for the first time I think she expects someone else to carry on her legacy. And I have my own legacy to fulfill, and that’s where my focus is.

“Tulsa is over with and now I have to get up for the rematch, which is part of being professional and part of the gameplay. The only rematch I’ve had in my pro career was with Erica Farias, so it’s part of it and you cannot expect anything to motivate, you can’t expect your team to hype you up for a workout. What if they are not there that day? You can’t expect the fans to get you hyped for the fight because. What if there are no fans? I am a very mentally strong person, I can control how to get from point A to point B so I will be ready for it.”

McCaskill won the first fight by a majority decision, 95-95, 97-94 and 97-93.

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