World champion boxer Cherenka Johnson put in a gutsy performance and defended her title despite suffering a gruesome gash above her eye.
The Kiwi-born fighter went up against Australian five-time champion Susie Ramadan at Rod Laver Arena over the weekend.
The second round saw a potential upset on the cards after a clash of heads resulted in a huge open wound just about Cherneka’s eye.
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Blood came pouring from the gash as Johnson’s face and outfit came saturated in blood with viewers questioning why the bout was allowed to continue.
However, Johnson’s medics proved their worth as they managed to contain the flow of blood and allow her to continue and eventually take home the victory by unanimous points decision.
Following the fight, she said: “I freaked out a bit in the first round with the cut and felt the blood in my eye but I just tried to stay calm.
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"I knew I could get through it if I stayed on my jab and didn't get stuck in a brawl."
She later took to Instagram to pay tribute to the man that managed to keep her face intact while showing off progress pics and some gnarly-looking stitches.
She wrote: “Craig Wilson you my friend done an absolute amazing job stopping that cut from bleeding out yesterday!! Like WOW!
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“The whole world has seen it and you are amazing at your job not only did you keep this fight going on and keep the cut under control, you have the best hand wraps by far and I’ve always said that.
“So lucky to have had you in my corner yesterday and the many more to come!!
“Sorry about all the blood.”
ESPN Ringside posted a video detailing just how gruesome the cut was, and the lengths Johnson and Wilson went to in order to keep the fight going.
And it's safe to say fans were equal parts grossed out and in admiration.
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One fan commented: “Bro you can see her thoughts.”
Another said: “Them ringside medics be performing miracles in like 60 seconds.”
A third added: “Her bra was white when she put it on.”
A fourth quipped: “She’s gonna make Harry Potter’s scar look like a paper cut.”
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A huge effort from Johnson and her team to retain the IBF super bantamweight title.
It was a win she dedicated to her brother Levi who was tragically killed in a stabbing last month.
She said following her fight: “I'm dedicating this to my brother and I'm so glad I got the job done - I know he's here in my corner."
Topics: Boxing, Australia, New Zealand
Jayden Collins