Cherneka Johnson is heading for the biggest fight of her career, with the undisputed bantamweight world champ officially locked in to face former unified champion Dina Thorslund.
Thorslund, 23-0 (9 KOs), vacated her WBC and WBO titles in July 2025 after discovering she was pregnant.
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With the belts subsequently up for grabs, Gold Coast star “Sugar Neeks”, 19-2 (8 KOs), stepped in on short notice to defeat then-IBF champion Shurretta Metcalf on the undercard of Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano III.
Now the undefeated Danish superstar is back and looking to reclaim the throne she never lost in the ring, with the pair set to headline an MVP card on Sunday August 9 (AEST) in Orlando, Florida.
The massive title fight will be shown live on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports at no extra cost to subscribers.
“Cherneka Johnson made history as Australia’s first-ever undisputed boxing champion in the four-belt era, and now the nation gets to watch her defend that legacy against one of the best fighters on the planet,” said Managing Director Steve Crawley.
“Kayo SPORTS is the home of boxing and combat sports in Australia, and we’re proud to deliver this world-class event to our fans at no extra cost on August 8 (US time).”
The blockbuster showdown is primed to be one of the biggest fights in women’s boxing this year – and potentially a Fight of the Year contender.
For Johnson, it’s another chance to underline her status as Australia’s premier female fighter on the global stage.
She told Fox Sports Australia last year that this fight was always on the cards.
“A fight between us has to happen,” Johnson declared.
“And I want it to happen.
“Right now, I really feel for Dina [who tragically ended up suffering a miscarriage].
“What she has been through is heartbreaking.
“But those belts were hers — she was the division’s No.1 — so I really want that fight.
“I want to own the division and prove those belts are mine.”
Most Valuable Promotions bosses Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian said they expect fireworks when the two bantamweight stars finally collide.
“MVPW-05 features the latest superfight from MVP, uniting two of the best women’s boxers in the world, both of whom feel the 118lbs world titles are rightfully theirs,” they said in a press release.
“Dina Thorslund is the #2 P4P in the world and has been waiting patiently for this opportunity since vacating her titles.
“Neekz delivered back-to-back statement performances in 2025 to become the first-ever undisputed champion in Australian boxing history in the four-belt era, male or female, and then reinforced her dominance with a commanding first successful title defence.
“Johnson vs. Thorslund is unequivocally a Fight of the Year contender.”