Cherneka Johnson defends world title despite horror cut that rivals those suffered by Tyson Fury and Badou Jack
Boxing can be a brutal and gruesome sport and that fact became more true for Cherneka Johnson than anyone else on Saturday night.
There have been some horror cuts in the ring over the years suffered by the likes of Badou Jack and Tyson Fury, but Johnson's wound from over the weekend is right up there.
While defending her IBF super bantamweight world title on the undercard of an undisputed lightweight clash between Devin Haney and George Kambosos Jr, Johnson clashed heads with her opponent, Susie Ramadan, in the second round.
It opened up a huge gash above her left eye, which was plenty cause for concern.
In the past, fights have been stopped for much less, but on this occasion the referee allowed the contest to continue.
Johnson bravely battled on to win by unanimous decision, despite blood pouring down her face.
And splashes landed across her body - and her opponents.
But while it looked dramatic, she was able to retain her tactics to overpower her opponent.
"I freaked out a bit in the first round with the cut and felt the blood in my eye but I just tried to stay calm," Johnson said after the fight.
"I knew I could get through it if I stayed on my jab and didn't get stuck in a brawl."
One of the reasons Johnson felt such a determination to carry on was because she had dedicated the fight to her brother, Levi, who was tragically stabbed to death just last month.
"I'm dedicating this to my brother and I'm so glad I got the job done, I know he's here in my corner," Johnson said.
