Cherneka Johnson-Amanda Galle added to Jake-Tank show; Ellie Scotney injured
A full unification bout has been replaced by a fight for an existing undisputed championship.
Boxing Scene has confirmed that reigning 118lbs queen Cherneka “Sugar Neeks” Johnson, 18-2 (8 KOs), is set to defend her crown against unbeaten challenger Amanda Galle. The bout will take place on November 14, in support of the Jake Paul vs. Gervonta “Tank” Davis Netflix event from Kaseya Center, home to the NBA’s Miami Heat in Florida.
The bout will headline the preliminary undercard immediately preceding the Netflix main card, presented by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP).
Its addition comes at the expense of one fight falling through, however.
Lineal and unified 122lbs champion Ellie Scotney, 11-0 (0 KOs) suffered a training camp injury and was forced to withdraw from her planned undisputed clash with WBA titlist Mayelli Flores.
“Sugar Neekz Johnson is set to become Australia’s first-ever defending undisputed champion in the four-belt era, while Canada’s top 118lb contender Amanda Galle has the opportunity to make a global name for herself and become the first Canadian-born undisputed champion,” MVP co-founder and CEO Nakisa Bidarian told BS in a provided quote. “Even with the short notice, this will be a non-stop all action fight with both fighters ready to make a statement and go to war on Friday, November 14.
“We wish Ellie Scotney a speedy recovery and look forward to fully supporting her return soon as she continues her mission toward undisputed. Jake vs. Tank is a testament to fighters who are redefining limits and chasing greatness, and we look forward to making history together at the Kaseya Center, live only on Netflix.”
To her credit, Johnson was once again prepared to fill the void – similar to how she became undisputed champion.
The 30-year-old became the first New Zealand-born undisputed champion following her 9th-round stoppage of Shurretta “Sha” Metcalf on July 11 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The bout took place on the undercard of the historic Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano trilogy clash, a fight that Johnson – now based in Australia - accepted on five weeks’ notice in place of Dina Thorslund.
She is once again set to answer the call against another dangerous opponent.
“I’m pumped to be back in the ring again before the end of the year! It’s been a while since I’ve been this active, and I’m loving it,” said Johnson, who has already fought twice in 2025. “I can’t wait to be part of the massive Jake Paul vs Tank Davis card, show the improvements we’ve been working on, and bring my belts back home.
“Amanda Galle came up after my fight versus Shurretta Metcalf in NYC, showed respect, and said she wants what I’ve got. Can’t blame her, I’d be chasing all the belts too.”
The bout will represent Johnson’s third overall defense of the WBA title and first as the fully unified champion. Johnson also previously held a 122lbs title, which she lost to Scotney in 2023.
This will be the first career title fight for Galle, 12-0 (1 KO): precisely the type of opportunity she expected when she signed with MVP earlier this year.
The 36-year-old from Ontario, Canada was a late arrival to the pro scene despite her extensive amateur career. Overcoming depression along with having to cope with her mother’s battle with breast cancer, Galle has emerged as a top contender in the talent-rich bantamweight division.
Upon signing with MVP, Galle shone in her company debut with an eight-round virtual shutout of Alondra Hernandez on September 27 in Montreal. The bout took place in supporting capacity to Kim Clavel’s title win over Sol Cudos.
It marked the first fight of 2025 for Galle following a near ten-month ring absence. She will quickly make up for lost time, and with exceedingly high stakes.
“I’ve put my time in,” insisted Galle. “I’ve been hanging out in the coattails of these big names, working in silence, and I’ve earned a spot at the table. The best promotion in the world has put me on their roster and I want a shot at the best out there.
“I’m the [uncrowned] undisputed bantamweight champion. Canada knows it, the world’s about to!”
The Johnson-Galle clash and Scotney-Flores fallout are not the only shakeups on the undercard.
Avious Griffin, 17-1 (16 KOs), has a new opponent for his undercard bout, as he will now face Justin Cardona. The need arose for a new foe after originally scheduled Cesar Francis withdrew due to injury.
The quick fix affords Griffin the opportunity to rebound from his first career defeat. The 31-year-old welterweight from Chattanooga, Tennessee – who is trained by Brian “BoMac” McIntyre – suffered a 10th round stoppage to Julian Rodriguez on the June 28 MVP show topped by Paul’s ten-round win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr.
“Thanks to MVP, the best promotional company in the business,” Griffin said of the chance to quickly return. “New opponent, same outcome. See ya Friday, November 14.”
Cardona, 10-1 (5 KOs), was happy to accept the short notice opportunity, if only to keep going the positive momentum gained on the year. The 25-year-old Salinas, California native ended a two-year ring hiatus with a dominant eight-round points win over favored Elijah Williams on May 31 in Las Vegas. The win was his second in a row after a narrow defeat to Angel Rebollar in October 2022.
“This is the kind of fight I’ve been working toward since day one,” said Cardona. “Avious Griffin is a dangerous opponent with power, no doubt—but I’m ready for this moment. I’ve put in the work, I’ve got a world-class team behind me, and come November 14 in Miami, I’m going to show the world what ‘Stallion’ pressure looks like. I respect the challenge, but I didn’t come this far to stop now. I’m coming to win and win impressively.”
. Of course Fake Paul is a phony but Tank is from the streets and not so refined. I wouldn’t put it past him to stretch JP because Tank didn’t read the script.