Cherneka Johnson has a high-profile assignment to go along with the other big development in her career.
Johnson, the two-division and reigning WBA bantamweight titleholder, is the latest fighter to sign with Most Valuable Promotions. Her first fight on the MVP roster will come in a full unification bout versus IBF title claimant Shurretta Metcalf on July 11 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Johnson, 17-2 (7 KOs), replaced lineal, WBC and WBO 118lbs champion Dina Thorslund, 23-0 (9 KOs), who just found out she is expecting her second child. Thorslund vacated her WBC and WBO belts, which will be at stake in Johnson’s newly inked clash with Metcalf, 14-4-1 (2 KOs).
Metcalf-Johnson will take place on the stacked July 11 Netflix card topped by the Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano trilogy clash for Taylor’s undisputed junior welterweight championship.
“It’s a dream come true to fight at Madison Square Garden,” Johnson said of the sudden news. “This feels like a true 'pinch me' moment, being part of an all-women’s card headlined by the incredible Amanda Serrano vs. Katie Taylor. Not only will I be defending my title, but I'll also become the undisputed champion!
“I’m truly looking forward to this next chapter – being part of Most Valuable Promotions, who are paving the way and shaping the future of women's boxing. The magnitude of this moment isn’t lost on me, and I’m ready to rise to it.”
Meanwhile, Thorslund, 23-0 (9 KOs), will prepare for the next chapter in her family life.
Thorslund, a pound-for-pound-level fighter from Denmark, is 13-0 in title fights spanning two weight divisions. She became a unified titlist nearly two years ago and hoped to add Metcalf’s IBF belt to her collection before she received the news of her second child on the way.
“Life can be such a roller coaster, especially as a female boxer,” noted the 31-year-old Thorslund. “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.”
Johnson – a 30-year-old New Zealand-born boxer now based in Melbourne, Australia – will attempt her second defense of the WBA bantamweight title. She won the belt from Nina Hughes last May 12 in Perth, Australia, and earned a repeat victory over the Brit, this time via seventh-round knockout on March 22 in Sydney.
The wins followed the end of her IBF 122lbs title reign, when Johnson was outboxed by Ellie Scotney, 10-0 (0 KOs), who also will appear in her own unification bout on the July 11 show.
“We are thrilled for Dina on the new addition to her family and send her our heartfelt congratulations,” MVP co-founders Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul said in a joint statement. “She’s a champion inside and outside the ring, and we fully support her decision to step away at this time. At MVP, our athletes are family, and there will always be a place for Dina on our roster whenever she’s ready to return.
“In the meantime, we’re excited to welcome Australia’s own Cherneka ‘Sugar Neekz’ Johnson to MVP as she steps in to face Shurretta Metcalf for the title of undisputed, with every belt in the 118 lbs division on the line.”
Metcalf is unbeaten in her past four starts, including a pair of 10-round decision victories over Miyo Yoshida. Their rematch last October 23 saw Metcalf claim the IBF bantamweight title that she will risk for the first time in this bout.
The change of opponents is no concern to Metcalf, a 40-years-young Texan, especially considering the raised stakes.
“I’m about to make history as the first undisputed bantamweight champion – and I’m doing it from Dallas, Texas,” vowed Metcalf. “Nothing in my career has come easy, but every fight, every sacrifice, led to this moment. I was built for this.
“My time is now, and I will rise and conquer. MVP is the best promoter in the game, and together we’re making legacy happen. This isn’t just a fight – this is a statement.”
Metcalf-Johnson is one of five unification bouts – three of which are for the undisputed crown – on the historic card.
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as a senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home. Follow Jake on and .