All-time boxing greats: Top 5 best female boxers in history

2. Cecilia Braekhus (36-1, 9 KOs)

Cecilia Braekhus is the only active fighter on this list. Some may criticize her inclusion and argue that current boxers like Claressa Shields and Katie Taylor deserve to be on this list, but they are still building their careers, while Braekhus is near the end of hers.

Taylor and Shields are on their way to being all-time boxing greats, but they’re still early in their boxing journeys. Their inclusion would be premature at this point.

Braekhus has arguably the most impressive female boxing career on paper. She lost her last bout via a close decision to Jessica McCaskill, but before that, she posted 25 consecutive title defenses. That’s a feat only equaled by Joe Louis.

Braekhus is 38 years old. It’s unknown if she will continue boxing or call it quits, but she has achieved enough to reach all-time boxing great status. Her 37 bouts and 297 rounds of career experience cement her legacy.

Braekhus isn’t a power puncher like Ali or Wolfe, but her boxing skill and I.Q. make her a great champion. She had a good performance in her lone loss to McCaskill, but she was slightly outworked by the new unified and undisputed welterweight champion. When it is all said and done, McCaskill might work her way into all-time great status as well.

Braekhus has always handled herself with grace and maturity. She has done as much to champion the rights of women boxers as anyone ever has.