Latest news with #ShurrettaMetcalf
News.com.au
12-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Aussie Cherneka Johnson becomes undisputed boxing world champion
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. 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.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cherneka Johnson dominates at MSG to become new undisputed bantamweight champion
Cherneka Johnson (18-2) is the new undisputed bantamweight champion of the world. The Australian boxer dominated Shurretta Metcalf (14-5-1) at Madison Square Garden on Friday night (local time) to bring all four major titles together. Advertisement Johnson (18-2) secured a TKO victory two seconds into the ninth round. It was a one-sided fight until that point, with referee Charlie Fitch calling time despite Metcalf being keen to continue. More to come.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Aussie boxer given title chance due to pregnant pause
Cherneka Johnson has the chance to become undisputed world champion after the Australian boxer was called in to replace Denmark's Dina Thorslund, who has announced her pregnancy. Already the WBA bantamweight world champion, Johnson will have the biggest fight of her career, stepping into the ring on July 11 (local time) at Madison Square Garden to take on the IBF champion, American Shurretta Metcalf. Because of her pregnancy, Thorslund voluntarily relinquished her WBO belt, while the WBC approved her title as Champion in Recess. A victory would make 30-year-old Johnson Australia's first undisputed world champion in the four-belt era after George Kambosos fell short in his quest to pull off the feat against Devin Haney in 2022. The 10-round showdown with Metcalf (14-4-1, 2 KOs) is on the first-ever all-women's professional boxing card at the famous New York venue. It's headlined by the third battle between Ireland's Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano of Puerto Rico. Signing with an American promoter, it is the first fight in the US for Johnson (17-2, 7 KOs). "It's a dream come true to fight at Madison Square Garden," said Johnson, who is New Zealand-born but lives on the Gold Coast and fights under the Australian flag. "This feels like a true 'pinch me' moment. "Not only will I be defending my title, but I'll also become the undisputed champion ... the magnitude of this moment isn't lost on me, and I'm ready to rise to it." Meanwhile, Andrew Moloney's comeback fight has been locked in less than a year after he announced his retirement following a controversial loss. Australia's former super flyweight world champion was ordered to fight Mexico's Argi Cortes in an IBF eliminator, with the pair squaring off in Monterrey, Mexico, on July 19 (local time). The winner will become the mandatory challenger to Willibaldo Garcia, who edged fellow Mexican Rene Calixto to claim the vacant IBF crown. The chance comes less than a year after 34-year-old Moloney quit the sport in a rage after losing on points to Pedro Guevara for the interim WBC super flyweight title.
