Aussie Cherneka Johnson becomes undisputed boxing world champion
Australia has an undisputed boxing world champion after a “superstar performance” on a major card in Madison Square Garden.
Australian based Cherneka ‘Sugar Neekz’ Johnson is the new undisputed bantamweight world champion after producing a stellar performance on the women’s boxing showcase in New York on Saturday (AEST).
Fighting on the undercard of the trilogy fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano in Madison Square Garden, Johnson put on a clinic in her fight against American Shurretta Metcalf, securing a stoppage win late in the bout.
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Johnson dominated the fight and connected with a flurry of punches on Metcalf in the fourth round, causing her opponent to stumble and fall backwards to the canvas — which was ruled a knockdown.
A clip of that moment shared by Netflix said: “Cherneka Johnson BULLYING Shurretta Metcalf.”
Johnson was well up on the scorecards when the referee said he wasn’t satisfied with how Metcalf was reacting to the punches, waving off the fight before the ninth round could begin.
Watch highlights from Cherneka Johnson’s win in the video above
The Aussie raised her arms in celebration and she held the IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO bantamweight belts in the ring in front of YouTube Jake Paul, who is a major backer of female fight cards.
Johnson said: “I’ve envisioned this moment so I already feel like I’ve been her before.
“This is my moment and I get to share it with my team. To be on this amazing card representing women’s boxing, to showcase women in boxing, I’m so thankful and grateful.”
Main Event’s Ben Damon posted on X: “Superstar performance from New Zealand-born, Australian-based Cherneka Johnson who is now the undisputed bantamweight champion of the world.”
Johnson now has a record of 18-2 (8KOs).
The 30-year-old had previously held the IBF super bantamweight title before losing to Brit Ellie Scotney in 2023.
Scotney defeated Yamileth Mercardo on Saturday to retain her undisputed super bantamweight titles.
It is a big week for Australian boxing, with Tim Tszyu taking on Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas on July 20 as he seeks revenge for his loss in March last year than turned into a bloody war.
Manny Pacquiao is also fighting on that card against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
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