By Penny Buffington | MMA Fight Coverage
NEW YORK, NY – In a major shake-up ahead of one of the most historic nights in women’s boxing, unified bantamweight champion and BoxRec’s #1 pound-for-pound female boxer Dina Thorslund has officially withdrawn from her scheduled bout against Shurretta “Chiccn” Metcalf to welcome her second child. Thorslund’s withdrawal comes just weeks before Taylor vs. Serrano 3, the most title-packed fight card in boxing history, taking place Friday, July 11 at Madison Square Garden and streaming live on Netflix.
Stepping in to replace Thorslund is Australia’s two-weight world champion, Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson (17-2, 7 KOs), who has just inked a multi-year promotional deal with Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). Johnson will now face Metcalf (14-4-1, 2 KOs) in a high-stakes battle to determine the undisputed bantamweight champion at 118 lbs. This bout will mark Johnson’s U.S. debut and could make her the first Australian fighter—male or female—to become undisputed champion in the four-belt era.
From Joy to Legacy: Thorslund Steps Away for Family
The Danish champion leaves the ring momentarily for motherhood, but not without the possibility of a return. With WBO approval, she vacated her title and was granted “Champion in Recess” status by the WBC—ensuring her right to challenge for the belts upon return.
“Even though the decision was easy, the athlete in me is sad,” Thorslund shared. “I SO wanted to stand in that ring and make history… but I’ll be back. This fire only burns stronger. I’ll have one more person to fight for—my child.”
Neekz’s Big U.S. Debut
With her new MVP contract signed, Cherneka Johnson is ready to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A former IBF super bantamweight champion and reigning WBA bantamweight titleholder, Johnson steps into the world spotlight with every major belt in the division on the line.
“This is a dream come true,” said Johnson. “To fight at Madison Square Garden on an all-women’s card headlined by Taylor vs. Serrano? Unreal. I’m not just defending my title—I’m chasing history.”
Metcalf Poised for Her Crowning Moment
Texas’ own Shurretta Metcalf is ready to cement her legacy. With a story of perseverance and grit, she enters this bout as IBF champion, eyeing her place in the record books.
“Nothing in my career has come easy,” said Metcalf. “But every fight led me here. I was built for this moment. I’m about to make history as the first undisputed bantamweight champion—and I’m doing it from Dallas, Texas.”
MVP Co-Founders React
Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, the forces behind MVP, shared their support for Thorslund and their excitement about Johnson’s arrival.
“Dina is a champion inside and outside the ring. We’re thrilled for her and the new addition to her family,” they said in a joint statement. “At the same time, we’re proud to welcome Cherneka Johnson to MVP. This card represents the pinnacle of what we’re building—world-class talent, global representation, and history-making fights.”
A Historic Night: Taylor vs. Serrano 3
The Taylor vs. Serrano 3 card is stacked with nine world champions, contesting a record-breaking 21 world title belts across five main card fights—making it the most decorated night in boxing history, male or female.
Main Card Highlights:
- Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano III – The trilogy bout headlines the card as Taylor (24-1) defends her undisputed super lightweight crown against Serrano (47-3-1), the unified featherweight champion.
- Alycia Baumgardner vs. Jennifer Miranda – Baumgardner (15-1), the undisputed super featherweight queen, defends against undefeated Spaniard Miranda (12-0).
- Ellie Scotney vs. Yamileth Mercado – Scotney (10-0) and Mercado (24-3) square off for unified super bantamweight glory.
- Savannah Marshall vs. Shadasia Green – A super middleweight unification clash between powerhouses Marshall (13-1) and Green (14-1).
Prelims Feature:
- Chantelle Cameron vs. Jessica Camara for the WBC interim super lightweight title
- Ramla Ali vs. Lila Furtado in a super bantamweight clash
- Tamm Thibeault vs. Mary Casamassa in an 8-round middleweight bout under equal rules (3-minute rounds)
Boxing History Live on Netflix
Taylor vs. Serrano 3 marks the first all-women’s card at Madison Square Garden and the most championship titles ever contested on a single event. The global event will be produced by MVP and streamed exclusively on Netflix, opening a new chapter in women’s sports visibility.
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Follow @MostVPromotions and @Netflix on X (Twitter), and @MostValuablePromotions on Instagram for full coverage leading up to this unprecedented night in boxing.
