Cecilia Braekhus Wins in Vegas, Fundora Wins Too

(Photo by Al Applerose)

By David A. Avila

LAS VEGAS-Norway’s boxing great Cecilia Braekhus needed a few rounds to shake off the rust against a determined Maricela Cornejo and walk away with the interim WBC super welterweight world title on Saturday.

“It feels amazing to get the belt back,” said Braekhus.

After a year away Braekhus (38-2-1, 9 Kos) started slowly and looked sluggish against Cornejo (19-7, 7 Kos) at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. But after a few rounds the muscle memory heated up.

Cornejo had recently fought three weeks ago and was in strong form especially in the early rounds. The tall Las Vegas-based fighter showed off a jab-hook combination and a few more wrinkles.

Those blows from Cornejo woke up Braekhus.

“I knew she is a powerful fighter,” said Braekhus who has sparred Cornejo many times in the past. “Even though she is powerful I am powerful too.”

During the fourth round Cornejo was firing strong punches when Braekhus seemed to snap the webs from her arms. Counter blows erupted from the former undisputed welterweight world champion. Suddenly, the old Braekhus arrived. A left-right combination delivered Cornejo to the floor.

Cornejo shook her head after being knocked down. She was still shaking her head when the round ended.

From that point on Braekhus had that snap in her blows that had enabled the Norwegian warrior to dominate the welterweight division before the pandemic. Still, Cornejo was still in front of her and still unwilling to capitulate. Both continued to deliver power shots.

“I knew I had to show no fear,” Braekhus said.

After 10 hard-fought rounds all three judges scored it 96-93 for Braekhus who becomes the new interim WBC super welterweight titlist.

“I am going to party in Las Vegas until tomorrow morning with my new belt,” said the new interim WBC super welterweight titlist.

IBF title defense

Southern California’s Gabriela Fundora successfully defended the IBF flyweight title by unanimous decision over Chile’s Daniela Asenjo.

Using her height and reach to perfection Fundora (14-0, 6 Kos) out-fought Asenjo (16-4-3, 2 Kos) every round despite some explosive return shots by the fighter from South America.

“Asenjo was a good fighter,” said Fundora. I got her with some good shots and she was able to last the 10 rounds with me.”

No knockdowns were scored in the fight. All three judges scored the fight 100-90 three times for Fundora.

It was Fundora’s second title defense.