(DEC 22) WBAN has received information on an amateur boxer planning to turn pro in 2016.   According to the public relations with Hosking Promotions banner, "Sugar" Neekz Johnson plans to make her pro debut in 2016. 

Johnson told WBAN the following:

"My full name is Cherneka Lee Johnson, but most people know me as Neekz. I am 20 years old and started boxing when I first moved to Australia in 2011. I am originally from New Zealand, Tauranga.

I am the eldest of three, having one brother and one sister. I still live at home with my family and have worked many part time jobs to fit in with my boxing and training schedule.

The question I get asked the most is what made you start boxing? And to be honest, all it was, was fitness and getting into shape at my local gym. From there I was with my first trainer Phillip Holiday for three years and went to my first junior world championships, then I moved to Albert Boxing Fit and spent 4 years competing at another 3 world championships.

The thing about boxing is, it’s my life. It's all I've known since I was in high school. I would feel lost and bored if I didn't go into the boxing gym every week.

I had an exciting and successful amateur career competing all over the world having over 55 fights.

Some of my achievements have been:

-Turkey junior world championships 2011
- China elite world championships 2012
-Bulgaria youth world championship 2013 (highest ranking 5th in the world)
- China elite world championships 2014
- 5x QLD champion at 54kg
-3x Australian champion 54kg
-3x Golden Gloves champion 54kg
- QLD representative for overseas training camps and competitions
- Australian representative to overseas tournaments and training camps.
- QAS individual scholarship holder.
- Olympic Games Shadow squad member

As of late 2015 I decided to become a professional boxer and have signed with Lynden Hosking of Hosking Promotions.

I made this decision whilst in the care of my away from home coach Rudy Ryan and his lovely family. I now have a new coach by my side (Mark Wilson) and another gym family, Bethania Boxing Gym.

I am so excited to embark on this next step of my career and I am so thankful to the individuals who have already shown what great people they are by supporting me in various ways.

I would like to thank Lynden Hosking, my Manager for believing in me and giving me the opportunity of turning pro with Hosking Promotions, and Troy Roberts (AO Fight) - custom fight and training gear, Daniel Pretorius ( Donte Enterprises) - sign writer and printer, Daniel Bunce - photographer and Paul Davidson (Delta Physiotherapy)- massage and injury prevention/ rehabilitation for sponsoring me...

My goal in life is I want to be the best there is in what I do. I want to travel the world doing what I love and I want to share my experiences with like minded people."

WBAN is looking forward to following this boxer when she turns pro and with her impressive amateur accomplishments she will be a great addition in the pros of female boxing!