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DiBella Entertainment has signed IBF super bantamweight world champion Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson to an exclusive promotional deal.
Johnson (15-1, 6 KOs), of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, captured the IBF women’s world title by defeating Melissa Esquivel on April 20, in her hometown at the Melbourne Convention Center.
Born in Tauranga, New Zealand, Johnson is the second Maori to ever win a world boxing championship.
In the final bout, Johnson successfully defended her IBF belt for the first time against former world champion Susie Ramadan on the Devin Haney-George Kambosos Jr. card. rematch, on October 16, at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
A clash of heads in the second round resulted in a large gash above Johnson’s left eye, which bled profusely for the rest of the fight. In a dramatic and bloody affair, Johnson went on to win a unanimous decision.
Johnson previously captured the WBA Oceania bantamweight title in December 2017 and is one defense away from that belt. Her only loss came to Shannon O’Connell by decision last year, challenging for the WBA Gold bantamweight title.
As a fan, Johnson was a five-time Queensland state champion, three-time Australian champion and three-time Golden Gloves champion. Outside of boxing, Johnson will appear on the popular Aussie reality TV series, The Challenge.
“I am thrilled to be joining forces with Hall-of-Fame promoter Lou DiBella and DiBella Entertainment,” said Johnson.
“I want to continue to fight in the world and build my brand in the world of boxing. I am determined to defend my IBF world title and my goal is to unify the belt in the bantamweight division. I know that, with DiBella Entertainment, these opportunities will come my way and I promise to make the most of them.”
“Cherneka Johnson has the whole package: looks, talent, and charisma,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.
“Looking at her, you can’t tell that she is a blood and guts heroine; you can watch her last fight, where she managed to defend her IBF world title over 10 bloody rounds, despite having a broken leg. Sugar Neekz had great fights and could be a big boxing star. “
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