Cherneka Johnson defends world title despite horror cut that rivals those suffered by Tyson Fury and Badou Jack

Cameron Temple

Published: 12:09, 17 Oct 2022
Updated: 12:10, 17 Oct 2022

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.

Johnson's cut is up there with the worst we have seen in the sportCredit: Getty

Johnson's cut was wide and bleeding heavily, drenching her faceCredit: AFP

But she battled on bravely, taking punches, and landing her ownCredit: AFP

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.

The 27-year-old Australian moved to 15-1 with the victory and she was all smiles after the bout - despite the injuryCredit: Getty

We have seen this before, as Badou Jack's cut during his fight with Marcus Browne was definitely not one for the squeamishCredit: Twitter: @michaelbensonn

Fury required multiple stitches after he suffered a cut above his right eye during his fight with Otto WallinCredit: Getty Images - Getty

"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.

Topics

Most read in Boxing