Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) has officially signed reigning WBA bantamweight world champion Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson to a multi-year promotional deal and she’s stepping right into a historic spotlight. Johnson (17-2, 7 KOs) will now face IBF champion Shurretta “Chiccn” Metcalf (14-4-1, 2 KOs) in a high-stakes showdown on Friday, July 11, as part of the Taylor vs. Serrano 3 card at Madison Square Garden. The fight will take place on the first-ever all-women’s professional boxing event at the legendary venue.
Johnson replaces Denmark’s undefeated champion Dina Thorslund (23-0, 9 KOs), who was originally scheduled to meet Metcalf in a title unification bout. Thorslund has withdrawn from the card after announcing her pregnancy. In a show of support, both the WBO and WBC granted her Champion in Recess status, with the unified titles now officially vacant and up for grabs.
This development adds even more weight to Johnson vs. Metcalf, with the WBA, IBF, and the now-vacant WBO and WBC titles all on the line. The winner will be crowned the undisputed bantamweight champion, marking a historic first for the division and for women’s boxing.
For Johnson, the upcoming bout marks her U.S. debut and a defining moment in her career. A native of New Zealand who fights out of Australia, Johnson is a two-weight world champion and looks to add another chapter to her legacy on boxing’s biggest stage.
“It’s a dream come true to fight at Madison Square Garden,” said Johnson. “This is a ‘pinch me’ moment—sharing a card with legends like Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor and fighting for undisputed status. MVP is shaping the future of women’s boxing, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Metcalf, the Dallas-born IBF champion, is ready for the challenge. A veteran who’s earned every inch of her title shot, she views this fight as the culmination of years of hard work.
“I’m about to make history as the first undisputed bantamweight champion—and I’m doing it from Dallas, Texas,” said Metcalf. “Nothing’s ever been handed to me, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. This fight is about legacy. It’s my time.”
MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian expressed support for Thorslund’s decision and excitement about the matchup ahead.
“We’re thrilled for Dina and send our heartfelt congratulations,” they said in a joint statement. “At MVP, family comes first, and we’ll be ready to welcome her back when the time is right. In the meantime, we’re proud to have Cherneka Johnson join the roster and face Shurretta Metcalf in a bout that will make history.”
Thorslund also shared a message with fans, acknowledging the emotional weight of stepping away.
“Finding out I was pregnant was unexpected, but a beautiful surprise,” said Thorslund. “Though I’m heartbroken to miss this moment, I’ll be cheering from the sidelines. I’ll be back—with even more to fight for.”
Taylor vs. Serrano 3 promises to be a landmark event for boxing, with 21 world title belts being contested across five bouts. Johnson vs. Metcalf may just steal the show—and rewrite the record books.