Boxing Match Preview: Dina Thorslund (17-2-0, 7 KOs) vs. Shurretta Metcalf (14-4-1, 2 KOs)

Originally slated to feature Denmark’s Dina Thorslund (23–0, 9 KOs), the bantamweight unification bout at Madison Square Garden on Friday, July 11 now sees Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson (17–2, 7 KOs) step in to face Shurretta Metcalf (14–4–1, 2 KOs) for the undisputed women’s bantamweight championship. Thorslund withdrew due to pregnancy, vacating her WBC and WBO titles, which will now be contested alongside Johnson’s WBA belt and Metcalf’s IBF crown.

Fight Details

Event	Info
Date	Friday, July 11, 2025
Location	Madison Square Garden, NYC
Time	Ring Walk ~8:30 PM ET
Broadcast	Netflix (Global)
Titles on the Line	WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF – Bantamweight (118 lbs)

Fighter Breakdown

🇦🇺 Cherneka Johnson

Age: 30

Record: 17–2–0 (7 KOs)

Style: Orthodox, slick boxer-puncher

Strengths: Speed, angles, body attack

Recent Form: Back-to-back wins over Nina Hughes, including a 7th-round KO in March

Notable Fact: Former IBF super bantamweight champion; signed with Most Valuable Promotions in 2025

🇺🇸 Shurretta Metcalf

Age: 40

Record: 14–4–1 (2 KOs)

Style: Orthodox, durable technician

Strengths: Ring IQ, composure, jab

Recent Form: Four-fight win streak; captured IBF title vs Miyo Yoshida in October

Notable Fact: First title defense; fighting for undisputed status at age 40

Key Storylines

Thorslund’s Exit, Johnson’s Opportunity: With Thorslund designated champion in recess, Johnson steps in to unify all four major belts.

Metcalf’s Moment: At 40, Metcalf aims to become the oldest active undisputed champion in women’s boxing.

Style Clash: Johnson’s movement and combinations vs Metcalf’s jab and timing could produce a tactical chess match.

Historic Card: This bout is one of five unification fights on the Netflix card, which features nine world champions competing for 21 belts.