Thorslund ends Johnson's undisputed run to become world champion again

Dina Thorslund snatches WBC, WBO, WBA and IBF titles from Cherneka Johnson, winning every round in a unanimous decision in the main event of MVPW-5 in Orlando, Florida; it was an emotional triumph for Thorslund, who returned to the ring following a miscarriage

Sunday 9 August 2026 08:37, UK

Dina Thorslund is a world champion again after ending Cherneka Johnson's undisputed run to cap an emotional return to the sport.

Just over a year after vacating her WBC and WBO bantamweight titles because she was pregnant, the undefeated Thorslund fought aggressively from the start to snatch the WBC, WBO, WBA and IBF titles from Johnson, winning every round in a unanimous decision in the main event of MVPW-5 in Orlando, Florida.

Thorslund (25-0, nine KOs) vacated her titles in June 2025, and a month later she announced on social media that she had suffered a miscarriage.

She returned to the ring in January and defeated Almudena Alvarez to capture the vacant WBC interim featherweight title. Then Thorslund, who is 32 years old and from Denmark, dropped back to bantamweight to fight for the undisputed championship.

Dina Thorslund is the undisputed bantamweight champion after a shutout win over Cherneka Johnson in Orlando 🏆🚨 pic.twitter.com/fKnV4KPLnI

The lead-up to Saturday's fight brought more emotional turmoil for Thorslund, whose training partner, Raven Chapman, underwent emergency brain surgery last month after she collapsed during a sparring session in Denmark.

"This has been such an emotional journey for me the last year," Thorslund said, fighting back tears.

"I'm going to take this [title belt] straight back to Raven and say thank you."

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Thorslund was in control for the whole fight. Her aggressive combinations put Johnson on the defensive, especially early, and through three rounds, Thorslund had landed 37 punches to Johnson's 14. In the end, Thorslund's non-stop attack of power punches built a 103-62 edge. All three judges scored it 100-90.

Johnson (19-3, eight KOs), who became undisputed champion by knocking out Shurretta Metcalf in July 2025, was unable to utilise her power against Thorslund. Practically every time she connected, Thorslund would respond by landing three or four shots in return.

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