Australia's Cherneka Johnson has been parachuted into a fight for the undisputed bantamweight title on just over a month's notice.
In a sensational boost for her career, the 30-year-old has also signed a multi-year promotional agreement with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, as the social media star-turned-boxer puts female fighters in the spotlight.
"Neekz" currently holds the WBA title at 118-pounds and will face off with American IBF champion Shurreta Metcalf, while the now-vacant WBC and WBO straps will also be on the line .
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The action is due to go down at the iconic Madison Square Garden on Friday, July 11 (July 12 in Australia), with the bout to feature on an historic all-women's card, headlined by the conclusion of the Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano trilogy, set to broadcast worldwide on streaming giant Netflix.
“It’s a dream come true to fight at Madison Square Garden,” Johnson said.
“This feels like a true ‘pinch me’ moment...Not only will I be defending my title, but I’ll also become the undisputed champion.”
Johnson has made one defence of her WBA strap, emphatically stopping, and subsequently retiring, Nina Hughes earlier this year in a rematch of their controversial title bout.
Metcalf was scheduled to face Dina Thorslund, although the Dane has made the call to vacate the WBC and WBO belts due to pregnancy.
“Recently I found out I was pregnant, a curve I hadn’t expected, but a joyous one,” Thorslund said.
“Even though the decision was easy, the athlete in me is sad, as I so wanted to stand in that ring and make history.”
The 40-year-old Metcalf, who holds a professional record of 14-4-1, won the IBF strap last October when defeating Japan's Miyo Yoshido, the same fighter who relieved Australia's Ebanie Bridges of the belt in 2023.
“I’m about to make history as the first undisputed bantamweight champion - and I’m doing it from Dallas, Texas,” Metcalf said.
“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.”
Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 fight card
Bouts and order subject to change
- Katie Taylor (c) vs. Amanda Serrano 3 for the IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO, and Ring super lightweight titles
- Alycia Baumgardner (c) vs. Jennifer Miranda for the IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO, and Ring super featherweight titles
- Ellie Scotney (c) vs. Yamileth Mercado (c) for the IBF, WBC, WBO, and Ring super bantamweight titles
- Savannah Marshall (c) vs. Shadasia Green (c) for the IBF and WBO super middleweight titles
- Cherneka Johnson (c) vs. Shurretta Metcalf (c) for the IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO, and Ring bantamweight titles
- Tamm Thibeault vs. Mary Casamassa
- Chantelle Cameron (ic) vs. Jessica Camara for the interim WBC super lightweight title
- Ramla Ali vs. Lila Furtado; Super Bantamweights