Dina Thorslund has been withdrawn from the Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano undercard after discovering she is pregnant with her second child.

The Dane was due to square off against Shurretta Metcalf in a bantamweight unification clash on July 11 at Madison Square Garden.

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Thorslund has withdrawn from the card after discovering she is pregnant[/caption]

However, Australia’s Cherneka Johnson has stepped in to replace the undefeated star on five weeks’ notice.

Thorslund has subsequently vacated her WBO title and been made WBC champion in recess.

As a result, the vacant world titles will be placed on the line alongside Johnson’s WBA belt and Metcalf’s IBF strap in an undisputed unification clash.

“Life can be such a roller coaster, especially as a female boxer,” said Thorslund.

“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! The fire that MVP has lit in me only burns even stronger, and 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.

“Thank you to MVP, my sponsors, friends, family – your support and encouragement touches me deeply and only motivates me more.

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Thorslund was due to square off against Metcalf[/caption]

Taylor vs Serrano III undercard

• Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano; For Taylor’s undisputed super lightweight title
• Alycia Baumgardner vs Jennifer Miranda; For Baumgardner’s undisputed super featherweight
• Savannah Marshall vs Shadisa Green; For Marshall’s IBF and Ring Magazine super middleweight titles and Green’s WBO super middleweight title
• Chantelle Cameron vs Jessica Camara; For Cameron’s WBC interim super lightweight title
• Ellie Scotney vs Yamileth Mercado; For Scotney’s IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine super bantamweight titles and Mercado’s WBC super bantamweight title
• Cherneka Johnson vs Shurretta Metcalf; For vacant WBO, WBC and Ring Magazine bantamweight titles, Metcalf’s IBF bantamweight title and Johnson’s WBA belt
• Tamm Thibeault vs Mary Casamassa; Middleweight
• Ramla Ali vs Lila Furtado; Super-bantamweight

“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.”

Reacting to the stunning development, two-weight world champion 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!”

Landing an undisputed fight on the biggest card in women’s boxing history isn’t the only reason to celebrate for Johnson.

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Johnson will replace Thorslund[/caption]

She has also landed a lucrative contract with Jake Paul‘s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), who are playing host to the all-female event.

“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,” she added.

“The magnitude of this moment isn’t lost on me, and I’m ready to rise to it.”