Cherneka Johnson Age, Height And Weight

Cherneka Johnson is a professional female boxer. She has held the IBF female junior-featherweight title since April 2022. Some of the titles won in her career include WBA Oceania female bantamweight title in 2017 against Filipino boxer Gretel de Paz, the WIBA bantamweight title in 2018 against Thailand boxer Rungnapha Kaewkrachang and WBA Gold female bantamweight title in 2021 against Shannon O’Connell. In this post, we will take a look at Cherneka Johnson’s age, height and weight. Keep reading for more details.

Cherneka Johnson Biography

Johnson’s boxing journey commenced in 2011 when she ventured into the amateur division after relocating to Australia. Representing her adopted home country in international competitions, she quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with.

Notably, she clinched the Junior World Championships title in 2011, showcasing her immense talent at a young age. Over the years, Johnson continued to shine on the international stage, achieving commendable rankings in the AIBA World Boxing Amateur Championships, including a top-16 finish in the 2012 and 2014 Elite World Championships.

The transition from amateur to professional boxing marked a new chapter in Johnson’s career. In 2016, she made her professional debut against Thailand’s Napaporn Ruengsuwan, securing a second-round stoppage victory. Displaying her skill and determination, Johnson went on to claim consecutive wins, including a first-round stoppage against Thailand’s Ratsadaporn Khiaosopa.

In 2017, Johnson’s remarkable journey reached new heights. She faced Filipino boxer Gretel de Paz for the WBA Oceania Bantamweight title, emerging victorious through a unanimous decision. Building on this success, Johnson went on to vie for the WIBA World Bantamweight title against Thailand’s Rungnapha Kaewkrachang, triumphing once again by stoppage. These wins propelled Johnson to the upper echelons of the boxing world, as she peaked at second place in the IBF rankings and sixth in the WBA rankings.

Undeterred by the challenges posed by her opponents, Johnson continued to forge ahead. In her tenth professional fight, she showcased her tenacity by delivering a second-round knockout against Thailand’s Siriphon Chanbuala in August 2018. The following year proved fruitful for Johnson, with a series of victories against notable opponents such as Kirti, Arasa Nimnoi, and Nurshahidah Roslie, solidifying her position as a rising star in the sport.

However, the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 interrupted Johnson’s momentum, halting her boxing endeavours. Nevertheless, she remained undeterred and focused on her training, eagerly anticipating the day she could step back into the ring.

March 2021 brought Johnson a significant opportunity to reclaim her glory as she faced Shannon O’Connell for the WBA Gold World Bantamweight title. The fight was fiercely contested, with both fighters displaying their skills and determination. In a close encounter, O’Connell emerged victorious through a split decision, leaving Johnson with a burning desire to bounce back more vital than ever.

April 2022 witnessed a defining moment in Johnson’s career. She took on the Mexican boxer Melissa Esquivel for the IBF World Super Bantamweight title. In a gripping battle that tested her mettle, Johnson showcased her unwavering determination and resilience. After a hard-fought contest, she emerged triumphant through a split decision, etching her name in the annals of boxing history as the second Maori, third New Zealand female, fourth New Zealand-born, and seventh New Zealand citizen to win a major world boxing title.

As Johnson defended her world title against Susie Ramadan on the Devin Haney vs. George Kambosos Jr II undercard in October 2022, she once again demonstrated her indomitable spirit. Facing a formidable opponent, Johnson delivered a commanding performance, securing a unanimous decision victory. This accomplishment made her the first Maori world champion boxer to successfully defend her world title, solidifying her place as a true trailblazer in the sport.

However, Johnson’s moment of triumph was tainted by allegations made by her opponent, Susie Ramadan, regarding the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Such claims threatened to overshadow her hard-earned success, but Johnson remained resolute, asserting her innocence and focusing on her upcoming challenges.

In November 2022, Johnson signed with renowned boxing promoter Lou DiBella under DiBella Entertainment, marking a significant milestone in her career. With DiBella’s expertise and support, Johnson’s future in the sport appears even more promising, opening doors to further opportunities and high-profile matchups.