Undisputed welterweight champion Jessica McCaskill and former title holder Cecilia Braekhus have understandably differing views on how their rematch will play out on Saturday.
The rivals clash at the American Airlines Center in Dallas tomorrow, seven months after McCaskill won a hotly debated majority decision to depose long-reigning ‘First lady of boxing’ Braekhus.
Chicago’s McCaskill (9-2, 3 KOs) fervently believes she will send Braekhus into a permanent retirement after the Norwegian changed her spur of the moment decision to call it quits in the immediate aftermath of their first bout.
“This is the biggest retirement party DAZN has ever hosted – there’s probably going to be cake and juice afterwards,” said McCaskill. “This is going to be it. She’s the one that alluded to it after losing in Tulsa, she seemed super relieved after losing and I am just giving her what she wants.
“Once someone shows that weakness, shows they are not in it and talks retirement, that shows that they are mentally out of the game. We’ve never been given a whole lot; we’ve taken really big risks and they have gotten us to those higher places. I don’t want to take on anyone else’s legacy, I’m building my own and making history every step of the day and that’s what I want to continue to do.
“I think she’s been struggling since the loss; I don’t know what she is going to do on fight night because we’re coming. I have a B-side mentality, we’re grinding for this, we’re not getting any handouts for this, she’s going to have to fight tooth and nail for anything.”
The naturally diplomatic Braekhus (36-1, 9 KOs) is returning with a different energy and vowing to reclaim her belts, having been irked by McCaskill’s less than respectful tone after their first encounter.
“I know I am a better fighter than Jessica in every possible way – I’m back for me,” said Brækhus. “I’ve done it all in boxing; first undisputed women’s champion, first Ring Magazine champion, sold out arenas, hit one million viewers, sold Pay-Per-Views – Saturday is just about taking the belts back because I am better.
“I’ve been in so many fights in my career and I knew that I did enough to win the first fight. I was a little bit naive. I didn’t consider that I was on her home turf, I won’t make that mistake again. Those belts are rightfully mine and I want to make a statement on Saturday, I’ll be completely different from the last fight, I’m in peak shape and I am happy.
“It’s fine to do some talking before the fight to promote it, but it’s not personal for me. She started talking about me and my team 24 hours after the last fight and I lost respect for her. You can’t be offended or take anything personally by someone you don’t respect. I feel calm and I am ready to get my belts back.”
Main image: Melina Pizano/Matchroom Boxing USA.