While pioneers like Jane Couch, the first licensed female boxer in the United Kingdon, fought to make women’s boxing visible, Braekhus carved a different path – she brought the sport back to an entire nation.
Now she knows it is time to step aside. She has no regrets and is excited to see the growth of women’s boxing, as counterparts like Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor earn six-figure pay days.
“I am super proud of my story so I wouldn’t wish anything different,” Braekhus says.
“We didn’t get anything back [when I started], it was just the love of boxing.
“The level was so high and I am so proud when I look back. Incredible. Everyone had jobs, no one was getting rich.”
“I’ve been in both camps now,” she adds.
“I’ve been there when the road was paved and I’ve been here today when it’s pretty much paved for the next generation.”
Already bound for the Hall of Fame, Braekhus wants one final statement on Saturday: to retire as a two-weight world champion.
“There are two belts on the line. Ema Kozin is going to fight to the end. This has to set the standard for everything I’ve been through,” she says.
And after that? “I’m kind of done,” she admits. “I want to see the world outside of the boxing ring too while I’m still young and healthy.”
But the transition won’t be simple.
“First I will take some time away,” Braekhus adds. “It’s like a break-up – you just need some distance. After that we can be friends.
“It’s going to be very hard to say goodbye.”
For someone who has spent her life defying the odds, perhaps the hardest fight will be learning how to live without being a boxer.
After all, some break-ups are tougher to get over than others.