Cherneka Johnson vs. Dina Thorslund press conference quotes and fight prediction

Cherneka Johnson (19-2, 8 KOs) will soon put her undisputed bantamweight world champion status on the line against Dina Thorslund (24-0, 9 KOs).

Their bout headlines a card promoted by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Boxlab Promotions at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL. Fight fans in the United States can catch the action live on ESPN and the ESPN app.

Both women spoke at a press conference ahead of their Aug. 8 contest. Below is some of what they had to say.

Cherneka Johnson vs. Dina Thorslund press conference quotes

Cherneka Johnson

“I’ve got one focus and one focus only, and that’s bringing my best to the ring come Saturday night,” said Johnson. “And I believe I’m going to do that.”

“I know a lot of people in here still look at Dina as the queen of the bantamweight division. She’s got something that I want, and I’m going to take that and all these belts back home.”

Dina Thorslund

“I think a lot of people know my story with the whole miscarriage being last year, giving up two titles, and now people maybe have known about my sparring partner and good friend Raven Chapman,” said Thorslund. “There’s a lot of emotion in this fight for me, and I’m too experienced to let it have a bad effect on me. So it’s like a deeper motivation, even worse now. I’m really looking forward to it.”

“I have made so many upgrades on both training, recovery, sleeping, eating, everything. I’m really well prepared for this fight and have an even deeper meaning with it.”

Fight prediction

Before Johnson became undisputed at bantamweight, Thorslund had enjoyed a period of dominance at the weight class. The Dane previously held the WBC and WBO world titles at 118 lbs and will now look to reclaim them and more. Thorslund had vacated her belts last year to start a family, but her pregnancy ended in a miscarriage. She has fought once since then, winning a fight in January of this year.

Johnson became undisputed champion by defeating Shurretta Metcalf by technical knockout last year. She has since made one defence of her undisputed status, a unanimous decision win over Amanda Galle last year. The bout against Thorslund will be Johnson’s first of 2026.

Big Fight Weekend is predicting Thorslund to seal the win by unanimous decision. Johnson can be outboxed and we expect the Dane to have the skillset required to do so. That being said, the reigning undisputed champion will keep things competitive. In short, expect a great fight.

Full press conference

For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of MVP.

Featured Image Credit

Harry Aaron/MVP