On July 11, 2025, under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden in New York City, Cherneka Johnson made boxing history by becoming the undisputed bantamweight world champion. The Australian fighter of New Zealand origin faced Shurretta Metcalf in a unification bout for the WBA, IBF, WBC, and WBO titles, which were vacated due to former champion Dina Thorslund’s pregnancy.
At 30 years old, Johnson delivered a dominant performance, showcasing skill, timing, and tactical intelligence. From the opening bell, she controlled the fight, leaving little room for her opponent to respond effectively.
The early rounds saw Johnson set the tone with sharp jabs and straight rights that quickly placed Metcalf under pressure. She maintained ring control and kept her opponent on the back foot.
In the fourth round, Johnson connected with two clean shots that led to a knockdown. Although Metcalf beat the count, the momentum was clearly in Johnson’s favor.
From rounds five to seven, Johnson continued to dictate the pace, landing combinations at will and avoiding most of Metcalf’s counters. Her left hooks and uppercuts repeatedly broke through Metcalf’s guard.
In round eight, signs of fatigue became evident on Metcalf’s face and posture. Johnson, still fresh, increased her output, forcing the ringside doctor to take a close look at Metcalf’s condition.
Just seconds into the ninth round, the referee stepped in and called a halt to the contest. Johnson was declared the winner by TKO, claiming all four major bantamweight titles and making history as the undisputed champion.
Official Result: Cherneka Johnson wins by TKO, Round 9 (0:02).
Updated Records: Johnson improves to 18 wins (8 KOs) and 2 losses; Metcalf drops to 14 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw.
After the fight, Johnson commented: “I envisioned this moment, so it feels like I’ve already been here before. She was a tough opponent and very durable. Maybe I could’ve pushed harder in rounds five or six to finish earlier, but we got the job done.”
With this historic victory, Cherneka Johnson becomes the first Australian (and New Zealand-born) boxer to unify all four major world titles in the bantamweight division. This milestone not only elevates her career but also places her among the elite in women’s boxing.
Looking ahead, Johnson is expected to defend her undisputed status against top contenders in what will now be high-profile title defenses with major international attention. Her fan base is growing, and her performances are gaining traction among the global boxing audience.
Shurretta Metcalf, despite the loss, earned admiration for her resilience and heart. She stood up to one of the best in the world and refused to give in easily, earning respect from fans and peers alike.
Cherneka Johnson left the ring as the undisputed queen of the bantamweights. On a night full of emotion and significance, she cemented her name in boxing history and opened a new chapter in a career that promises even more glory.
