The historical first bout on Norwegian soil since 1981 will be headlined by a rematch of «The fight of the century» in female boxing, as french Anne Sophie Mathis (27-3-1) was announced as opponent for «The First Lady» Cecilia Braekhus.
The two fighters also met in Denmark in September 2012, where Braekhus (record of 28-0) won a close and spectacular 10-rounder on an unanimous decision.
The fight was considered to be between the two greatest female fighters at that time, rising a huge interest in Europe, and also in Braekhus` home country Norway. Nearly 1/5 of the Norwegian population was glued to their tv-screens as their biggest sports celebrity fought Mathis.
Now they will meet again in «The Homecoming» on October 1st in Oslo, where Braekhus titles (WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF and IBO) in welterweight will be on stake.
– Mathis was the only name big enough to top a historical night like this. This is the Worlds greatest puncher versus the Worlds greatest technical and tactical boxer. She is the toughest opponent I have met, and I could have gone for something easier to make this a «safe homecoming». But in this sport you can not make history by being defensive, says Braekhus.
Mathis is by many considered to be «the female Mike Tyson» with an impressive number of 23 victories by knock-out, out of a total of 27.
– I am more than a knock-out boxer. I have a heavy shot that stuns and that hurts. I know people compare me to Mike Tyson which is quite pleasant as comparison because I have always been a a fan of him, says Mathis.
She is comparing her fight against Braekhus with some of the biggest fights of all times – among them the legendary meets between Ali and Frazier.
– Ali vs Frazier was of course a bigger event when it comes to media attention, but seen from a sporting perspective this is among the greatest female fights that has ever been. Braekhus is bringing five belts to this fight, and that has never happened before, says Mathis.
Her recent losses has been controversy. Her last fight was set to «NC» after opponent Oxandia Castillo failed a drugtest. What seemed to be a clear KO-victory over german-based boxer Christina Hammer ended up as a disqualification for hit to the back of the head, but was later overruled after protests by Mathis` management.
Mathis is also known for knocking Holly Holm cold when she was at her very best, but lost the rematch in Holms hometown on points.
The fight on October 1st in a sold-out Oslo Spektrum Arena will be shown on TV3, and is expected to break all former viewer-records.
