THE undercard of Katie Taylor’s trilogy against Amanda Serrano has taken a twist after a fighter has pulled out after becoming pregnant.
The Irish woman, 38, will face her heated rival for the third time in a Madison Square Garden headliner on July 11.
Katie Taylor face Amanda Serrano for the third time in July[/caption]
It will be the main event of an all-female card which will be streamed live on Netflix.
However, in a twist, Dina Thorslund has had to withdraw from her title unification bout against IBF bantamweight holder Shurretta Metcalf.
The unified bantamweight champ revealed that she is expecting her second child, while she has relinquished her WBO title.
Upon her return to the ring Thorslund may request to be designated mandatory challenger.
The 30-year-old said: “Life can be such a roller coaster, especially as a female boxer.
“I was really looking forward to this fight—the biggest moment of my career.
“Recently I found out I was pregnant, a curve I hadn’t expected, but a joyous one.
“Even though the decision was easy, the athlete in me is sad, as I SO wanted to stand in that ring and make history on Friday, July 11.
“But I’ll be back!
“When I do step back in the ring, there will be another little person that I can fight for and be a role model for.
“I plan to show my child that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough for it.
“I hope all the boxers have a fantastic evening. I will be cheering from the sidelines, and I can only encourage the rest of the world to either take the trip to Madison Square Garden and experience the magic, or to tune in to watch history being made, live on Netflix.”
The unified title belt will remain on the card, however, with reigning WBA holder Cherneka Johnson taking Thorslund’s place.
‘Sugar Neeks’ is a two-weight world champion, currently the WBA bantamweight world champion and the former IBF super bantamweight world champion.
She will face Metcalf in a 10-round world title showdown in her first bid to become the first ever undisputed Australian champion in the four belt era.
Johnson said: “It’s a dream come true to fight at Madison Square Garden!
“This feels like a true ‘pinch me’ moment, being part of an all-women’s card headlined by the incredible Amanda Serrano vs Katie Taylor.
“Not only will I be defending my title, but I’ll also become the undisputed champion!
“I’m truly looking forward to this next chapter—being part of Most Valuable Promotions, who are paving the way and shaping the future of women‘s boxing.
“The magnitude of this moment isn’t lost on me, and I’m ready to rise to it.”
