Boxer on Taylor-Serrano undercard forced to withdraw after pregnancy news
A boxer due to fight for a world title on the undercard of Katie Taylor's trilogy fight with Amanda Serrano has been forced to withdraw after discovering she is pregnant.
Dina Thorslund, who is expecting her second child, has had to pull out of her bantamweight unification clash with Shurretta Metcalf on 11 July at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Australian Cherneka Johnson has stepped up to replace Thorslund and fight for the Dane's vacated WBO title, Metcalf's IBF title and her own WBA belt.
Thorslund, 31, said: 'Life can be such a roller coaster, especially as a female boxer.
"I was really looking forward to this fight—the biggest moment of my career.
'Recently, I found out I was pregnant, a curve I hadn't expected, but a joyous one.
"Even though the decision was easy, the athlete in me is sad, as I so wanted to stand in that ring and make history on Friday, July 11.
"But I'll be back! The fire that MVP has lit in me only burns even stronger, and when I do step back in the ring, there will be another little person that I can fight for and be a role model for.
"I plan to show my child that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough for it."
Thorslund, who is unbeaten in 23 fights, added: "Thank you to MVP, my sponsors, friends, family - your support and encouragement touches me deeply and only motivates me more.
"I hope all the boxers have a fantastic evening.
"I will be cheering from the sidelines, and I can only encourage the rest of the world to either take the trip to Madison Square Garden and experience the magic, or to tune in to watch history being made, live on Netflix.'
The eagerly-awaited trilogy between Taylor and Serrano will headline the fight night.
Taylor has beaten Serrano on two occasions, the first by split decision at the MSG in April 2022, and the second by unanimous decision at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington last November.
Once again, Taylor will put all her super lightweight titles on the line as the pair face off again in New York.
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