Tauranga-born boxer Cherneka Johnson has made sporting history, becoming the first Māori and New Zealand-born athlete to claim an undisputed world boxing title.
Johnson, 30, of Ngāti Ranginui descent, achieved the milestone at Madison Square Garden in New York on Friday night local time. She defeated American Shurretta Metcalf by TKO between the eighth and ninth rounds, when the fight doctor stepped in to end what had become a one-sided contest.
The victory unified the WBA, IBF, WBC, and WBO bantamweight titles, securing Johnson’s place in boxing history.
“She came in with fire,” said boxing commentator Benjamin Watt. “By round five, it was clear this was Johnson’s fight. The punch count alone, 75 to 21 in Johnson’s favour, said it all.”
Johnson initially claimed the WBA title in May 2024 after a controversial match against the UK’s Nina Hughes. That bout ended in confusion after announcer Lt Dan Hennessey mistakenly called the wrong winner.
Friday’s fight was her chance not only to set the record straight but to make history. Despite a height disadvantage and attempts by Metcalf to “fight dirty,” Johnson dominated early with precise, powerful punches.
“By the end of round eight, the doctor had seen enough,” Watt said. “It was a clear decision for safety.”
After the referee waved off the bout, Johnson raised her arms in triumph, becoming the first Māori to ever be crowned an undisputed champion in any weight class.
“I envisioned this moment so I already feel like I’ve been here before,” Johnson said. “This is my moment and I get to share it with my team. To be on this amazing card representing women’s boxing … to showcase women in boxing, I’m so grateful and I’m so thankful.”
Johnson was born in Tauranga but has lived in Australia since she was 11.
Meanwhile, fellow Kiwi and two-division world champion Lani Daniels is preparing to face America’s Claressa Shields for the Undisputed World Heavyweight title in Michigan on July 27.
