Dina Thorslund Withdraws from Title Unification Bout
Dina Thorslund, the reigning WBC and WBO women’s bantamweight champion, has announced she will not participate in her scheduled title unification bout against IBF champion Shurretta Metcalf on July 11 due to her pregnancy, as she prepares to welcome her second child.
In her absence, Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson, who holds the WBA bantamweight championship, will step in to contest Metcalf for the IBF title as well as the now vacant WBO and WBC titles. This matchup will take place on the undercard of the anticipated rematch, Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3, and the victor will become the undisputed champion in the women’s bantamweight division.
Thorslund’s Decision and Future Plans
Thorslund, currently ranked 10th in ESPN’s pound-for-pound list of female boxers, has voluntarily surrendered her WBO title and received approval from the WBC to be designated as Champion in Recess, allowing her to return as the mandatory challenger for the championship once she resumes her career after maternity leave.
“Life can be such a roller coaster, especially a female athlete in boxing. I was really looking forward to this fight — the biggest moment of my career,” she commented in a statement to ESPN. “Recently, I found out I was pregnant, a curve I hadn’t expected, but a joyous one. Even though the decision was easy, the athlete in me is sad, as I so wanted to stand in that ring and make history on Friday, July 11. But I’ll be back!”
Support from Most Valuable Promotions
Expressing support, Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian from Most Valuable Promotions congratulated Thorslund on her pregnancy and reinforced their commitment to her future with the organization.
“We are thrilled for Dina on the new addition to her family and send her our heartfelt congratulations. She’s a champion inside and outside the ring, and we fully support her decision to step away at this time. At MVP, our athletes are family, and there will always be a place for Dina on our roster whenever she’s ready to return,” they stated.
Cherneka Johnson Takes the Spotlight
Cherneka Johnson (17-2, 7 KOs), who has recently signed a multi-fight deal with Most Valuable Promotions, is stepping up to compete on such a historic card.
“It’s a dream come true to fight at Madison Square Garden! This feels like a true ‘pinch me’ moment, being part of an all-women’s card headlined by the incredible Amanda Serrano vs Katie Taylor,” Johnson expressed. “Not only will I be defending my title, but I’ll also become the undisputed champion! I’m truly looking forward to this next chapter — being part of Most Valuable Promotions, who are paving the way and shaping the future of women’s boxing.”
Record-Breaking Fight Card
With Johnson’s addition to the fight card, the Taylor-Serrano 3 event will feature an impressive nine world champions vying for 21 different titles, setting a new record for the most belts contested in a single night of boxing.
