Cherneka Johnson becomes first undisputed Aussie champ in four-belt era in historic win at Madison Square Garden
Australian boxer Cherneka Johnson scored an historic victory to claim the undisputed bantamweight championship over Shurretta Metcalf on the Amanda Serrano v Katie Taylor III undercard.
Johnson put in a dominant performance in her biggest fight to date and after entering the bout with the WBA title left the ring with Metcalf's IBF belt as well as the WBC and WBO belts vacated by Dina Thorslund.
In doing so, she became the first Australian boxer, male or female, to be undisputed champion in the four-belt era, although Kostya Tszyu was undisputed champion in the three-belt era around 20 years ago.
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Johnson, who recently signed with Jake Paul's MVP Promotions, caused Metcalf plenty of problems with her right hand and dropped the Texas fighter in the fourth round in the bout at Madison Square Garden.
Cherneka Johnson celebrates defeating Shurretta Metcalf. Getty Images for Netflix
The New Zealand-born, Aussie-raised brawler kept on finding success with her right hand and wobbled Metcalf again in the fifth round.
From that point on the doctors checked in with Metcalf during the middle rounds, and after an aggressive eighth round, the medical official met with her corner and referee Charlie Fitch, with the fight called moments later, much to Metcalf's displeasure.
Paul was seen raising his arms in celebration in the crowd when the fight was stopped and was also in the ring when the official announcement was made.
Johnson, whose record stands at 18-2 (eight KOs), was born in Tauranga, New Zealand, but has lived on the Gold Coast since she was 11.
Cherneka Johnson knocks down Shurretta Metcalf. Getty Images for Netflix
"I envisioned this moment, so I already feel like I've been here before," Johnson said.
"She was very tough, a great opponent. She had a long jab, but I was listening to my team.
"Probably if I put on the gas a little more in the fifth or sixth round, I could have stopped her earlier, but we got the job done."
Johnson makes history. Getty Images for Netflix
Johnson has now won three in a row, following a pair of victories over Nina Hughes to win the WBA bantamweight belt. She ended Metcalf's four-fight winning streak.
The Johnson-Metcalf fight headlined the undercard of the Katie Taylor v Amanda Serrano III card, which will air on Netflix later on Saturday (AEST).
