Jessica McCaskill gets the better of Cecilia Braekhus again

IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC and WBO champion Jessica McCaskill (10-3-2, 3KOs)showed that her victory last year over Cecilia Braekhus was no fluke – defeating the former champion once again by scores of 100-89, 99-90 and 99-91.

Maxboxing didn’t score the fight, but thought it was closer than the scores indicate.

In round one, Braekhus (36-2, 9 KOs) jabbed while McCaskill forced her way inside. McCaskill connected with a right and seconds later, ate a counter from Braekhus. McCaskill hurt Braekhus with a sweeping right near the end of the round. That right would be a key throughout the bout. Both fighters traded heavy shots in round two. As she did most of the fight, McCaskill got the better of it.

The brawling and mauling continued in round three. Braekhus wanted to jab, but McCaskill was pushing forward and landing. It wasn’t pretty, but it was working. Braekhus finally connected with punches in round four. Braekhus did better in rounds five and six, but McCaskill was busier. An inside hook landed.

Braekhus continued her momentum in round seven. McCaskill went to the body – during well in round eight. Braekhus was deducted a point for holding.

McCaskill connected with a double jab. Braekhus landed a right. In rounds nine and 10, Braekhus scored points with jabs. McCaskill landed a lounging left. McCaskill seemed to have the edge entering the 10^th and final round. Braekhus connected with a right – while McCaskill landed another overhand right. Braekhus caught McCaskill with a combo at the bell.

After the fight, Braekhus talked about wanting to fight McCaskill for a third time. Honestly, I can’t see that happening. Braekhus would have to alter her style to beat the aggressive McCaskill - who could be headed for another rematch, this time against Katie Taylor.

Taylor defeated McCaskill three years ago in London.