Jessica McCaskill recorded one of the greatest upsets in women’s boxing history.
McCaskill defeated Cecilia Braekhus by a majority decision to ruin Braekhus’ perfect record and win the undisputed welterweight championship Saturday in Tulsa, Okla.
Braekhus was making her 26th title defense. Had she won, she would’ve broken Joe Louis’ record for most successful defenses.
McCaskill (9-2, 3 KOs) got off to a fast start and was the more active puncher overall. However, Braekhus (36-1, 9 KOs) rallied in the second half of the fight to bring the result into doubt.
The scores were 97-94 and 97-93 for McCaskill and 95-95.
The winner of the fight was expected to face the winner of the Katie Taylor-Delfine Persoon lightweight title fight. McCaskill lost a majority decision to Taylor in June of last year.
McCaskill was moving up in weight to face Braekhus. She entered the fight as a junior welterweight titleholder.