(JULY 12) Cherneka Johnson (Ngāti Ranginui) makes history at Madison Square Garden by becoming the first ever Maori and New Zealand-born boxer to become Undisputed boxing world champion.

Tauranga-born 30 year old Cherneka Johnson won the fight by TKO against American Shurretta Metcalf between the 8th and 9th rounds when the doctor stepped in, protesting that Metcalf had taken too much of a beating from Johnson.

Unfortunately, the fight itself did not make it onto the main card and was not broadcast on Netflix. The New York Times did provide an excellent description of the fight, which can only be described as a total beatdown.

From round one, Johnson took control of the fight, putting immense pressure on her opponent. Throughout the fight, Johnson was in full control, gaining ownership of the centre of the ring. Even though Metcalf had a height advantage, Johnson blew through it, making Metcalf look somewhat disorganised.

Metcalf would have multiple attempts to take control, as seen at the beginning of the third round, however, Johnson just pushes her back with such heavy shots. Metcalf does have impressive defence, but it is not enough to win the fight.

In round four, Johnson scored impressive shots, which sent Metcalf to the canvas. She tried to hold on, forcing Johnson to fall with her, however, the referee got Johnson up and declared Metcalf a knockdown.

By round five, it is evident that Metcalf needed a knockout to win, and this was Johnson's fight. By round eight, the number of punches being landed by Johnson was 75 to Metcalf's 21, a massive punch difference. By the end of the round, the doctor had seen enough and protested to end the fight for the safety of Metcalf.

The discussion between referee and the doctor, and the referee was not happy with how Metcalf was reacting to the punches and decided to stop the fight with the doctor. Metcalf protested the end of the fight, ready to continue, however, it was the referee's final call.

After the interviewer stated Johnson made history by becoming the first ever Undisputed World Bantamweight champion, male or Female. Johnson made more history by becoming the first Maori and first New Zealand-born boxer to become Undisputed World Champion in either weight division and either male or female.

 (WBAN Comment:  This is apparently not accurate as there were males that have done this before but with that said Johnson is the first in history).

Johnson said in the post-interview that she was very grateful, and she felt like she had been there before as she envisioned this moment.

Next world title fights coming up, Alrie Meleisea taking on the WBA World Light Heavyweight Champion Che Kenneally in Australia on the 25th of July, live on NZ CSN. After that, two-division world champion Lani Daniels will take on fight division world champion Claressa Shields for the undisputed World Heavyweight title in Detroit, Michigan in USA on 27th of July (NZT), live on DAZN.

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