Undisputed bantamweight champion Cherneka Johnson expects Dina Thorslund to enter their Orlando showdown with extra motivation after being forced to wait for an opportunity to reclaim the belts she previously held.
Johnson believes the unbeaten Dane has “a chip on her shoulder” after vacating her titles during pregnancy and then missing out on an immediate fight with the Australian champion upon her return.
“She wanted me to be her first fight back,” Johnson said. “We already had a fight lined up, so she had to wait a little bit longer than she would’ve liked. That’s not my problem. She’s getting a shot now.”
Thorslund has publicly accused Johnson of making a mistake by facing another opponent instead of giving her the opportunity she believed she had earned. Johnson, however, says there has been no direct confrontation between them despite the social media comments.
The champion believes Thorslund’s frustration could work against her if it causes her to fight emotionally. Johnson expects an aggressive start but says she is prepared whether the challenger chooses to apply pressure or box more patiently.
“I know I’m going to be ready for whatever she brings,” Johnson said. “Whether she wants to have a scrap or whether she wants to box, I believe that I can combat all of it.”
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