Boxing is a brutal, grueling sport. This was evident in Cherneka Johnson’s performance on Saturday night.
There have been many horror cuts in the ring, including those by Badou JackAnd Tyson Fury, but Johnson’s wound from over the weekend is right up there.
She was defending her IBF super-bantamweight world title undercard for an undisputed lightweight bout between Devin Haney, George Kambosos JrJohnson and Susie Ramadan clashed in the second round.
The gash was large and visible above her left eye. This was a serious concern.
Fights were stopped in the past for less. However, the referee allowed this fight to continue.
Johnson persevered and won by unanimous vote, despite the fact that blood was pouring down her cheeks.
And splashes landed across her body – and her opponents.
Although it was dramatic, she was still able to use her tactics to win the battle.
“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.”
Johnson had devoted her fight to Levi, her brother, and was tragically stabbed in the stomach to death last month. This was one of the reasons she felt so determined to keep going.
“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.
