SWEET SUCCESS
You just figure out how to move forward,” Johnson said. “The first fight I lost to Shannon, I didn’t really feel like I lost. I wasn’t going to cry over it and wonder what I could’ve done better. You just plan how to move forward.” That mindset paid off. A year later, Johnson edged Mexico’s Melissa Esquivel in Melbourne to win the IBF junior featherweight title, becoming only the second female boxer of Maori descent to claim a major world title after Daniella Smith in 2010. Just as her career gained momentum, tragedy struck. A month before her first title defense against former champion Susie Ramadan in 2022, Johnson’s younger brother Levi was ambushed and killed outside a Brisbane gym. He was just 23. Devastated, Johnson considered withdrawing from the contest. But she decided to push forward in Levi’s honor. “There was a moment where I thought, ‘Can I even do this?’” she remembered. “But then I realized this was going to be the first fight my brother attended. I felt like he’d want me to go through with it.” Johnson flew interstate for Levi’s funeral, then headed straight back to Sydney to continue her training camp. The Ramadan bout turned into a blood-soaked battle. Johnson’s nose was busted early, and a clash of heads opened a deep gash on her forehead. By the end of Round 2, her white top was stained pink with blood. But she refused to wilt. By Round 4, Johnson regained control, dropping Ramadan with a left hook and dominating the second half of the fight. Despite the nasty cut, she powered through to win a wide unanimous decision. Johnson raised her arms up to the heavens after the fight. “I think Levi had something to
with her decisive win over Metcalf. The performance earned her Fighter of the Year honors at the annual Australian National Boxing Hall of Fame awards, making her the first woman ever to receive the accolade. Johnson was set to defend her four world titles against The Ring’s No. 5 contender, Amanda Galle (12-0-1, 1 KO), on the undercard of Jake Paul’s bout against Gervonta Davis in Miami on November 14. However, Davis’ most recent domestic violence allegations canceled that show. Paul is now scheduled to face two-time former unified heavyweight titleholder Anthony Joshua on December 19 at the same Miami venue, and according to Johnson’s management team the Galle fight will be rescheduled on the undercard of that show. The Ring does not expect Johnson to have too much difficulty turning back the challenge of the Canadian. Netflix will once again broadcast her fight. At just 30 years of age, Johnson’s time at the top is just beginning. Big fights await her this year, none more so than against the undefeated Thorslund (23-0, 9 KOs). The Ring title remains at the top of her bucket list. “I’m in the best shape mentally I’ve ever been in. That’s not arrogance – it’s belief,” said Johnson. “I’m sure I’m gonna collect that belt soon, too. I have so much confidence in myself right now. I know the work I’ve done and what I bring to the table. I know what I’m capable of.” On a night when women’s boxing reached new heights at Madison Square Garden, Cherneka Johnson’s journey – from barefoot kid in Tauranga to undisputed world champion – stood as proof of her grit, resilience and evolution. In 2026, “Sugar Neekz” wants all the smoke, something she has earned the hard way.
Johnson’s nose was busted early, and a clash of heads opened a deep gash on her forehead. By the end of Round 2, her white top was stained pink with blood. But she refused to wilt.
do with getting me through that kind of adversity. He was there with me, supporting me and guiding me,” she said. Johnson lost her title in her next bout to crafty Brit Ellie Scotney at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2023. Scotney’s slick movement frustrated Johnson, who was soundly outboxed over 10 rounds. “With that loss, I knew there were things in my camp that needed changing,” Johnson admitted. “But I
also knew I wasn’t done. I knew what the best version of me looked like.” Still, there were some positives to come out of the Scotney fight. Johnson raised her profile and made global headlines at the pre-fight weigh-in when she appeared topless, her torso covered in body paint promoting her new sponsor, OnlyFans. “That was a media stunt, and it worked,” she laughed. “OnlyFans has actually allowed me to box full- time. Without their support, I’d
be struggling.” A year later, Johnson was back in the world title picture. In May 2024, she moved down in weight to challenge undefeated WBA bantamweight champion Nina Hughes on the undercard of Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. George Kambosos Jr. in Perth. Johnson edged the 41-year-old Hughes by majority decision, then left no doubt in their rematch 10 months later, dominating and stopping the Englishwoman in seven rounds.
Her resurgence didn’t go unnoticed. When Thorslund’s pregnancy left a slot open on the Madison Square Garden supercard, Johnson’s team immediately reached out. “When I wasn’t initially on the card, I had major FOMO,” Johnson admitted. “I’d wanted to fight Dina or Shurretta anyway. After my win over Nina, I was ready. Everything just fell into place.” Johnson made the most of the opportunity, unifying all four major sanctioning body titles at 118 pounds
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