Cherneka Johnson vs Nina Hughes Predictions: Top bantamweights run it back after controversy

Cherneka Johnson defends her WBA bantamweight championship in a rematch with Essex’s Nina Hughes this Saturday, March 22. The bout takes place at the Qudos Arena in Sydney, Australia. The fight is part of the undercard for George Kambosos Jr. vs Jake Wyllie. DAZN will broadcast the event live on their platform.

Here are my Johnson vs Hughes predictions ahead of this return bout.

Cherneka Johnson vs Nina Hughes Odds

Johnson is 1/2 to record a second win over Hughes. The challenger is priced at 8/5 to reclaim her championship. You can back the draw at 12/1.

Cherneka Johnson vs Nina Hughes Fight Preview

These two last met in May, where a close fight gave way to a controversial ending which makes this rematch essential.

Hughes was the WBA champion going in, facing Johnson on the challenger’s home turf in Australia. After a hard-fought contest, the scores were read out as 95-95, 96-94 and 98-92. The winner, by majority decision: Nina Hughes.

But then, as the seeming-victor was hoisted by her team in triumph, chaos ensued. Ring announcer Lieutenant Dan Hennessey corrects himself. While the scores he had read were accurate, they were actually in favour of Johnson. From the throes of joy to the depths of despair.

Hennessey would later quit the sport over the controversy, citing the intense backlash he received. Hughes, for her part, has always directed her ire at the judges rather than the announcer. As agonising as being declared the winner of a world title fight before losing it all must have been, the Billericay girl was more rankled by the cards. The 98-92 score in particular felt unmoored to the reality of what we had watched.

Given the close nature of the fight and the ridiculous scenes that unfolded afterwards, a rematch felt like the only option. Given Hughes’ outspoken feelings on the cards and the possible home-cooking over the decision, it does seem incredible that the sequel is taking place back in Australia. 

A fight in the UK may have been an over-correction, though Hughes did travel Down Under when she was the reigning champion. But given Matchroom’s worldwide remit, perhaps a place on one of their Stateside shows would have better-served Hughes’ interests.

As Mick Jagger once imparted, you can’t always get what you want. Hughes will at least get a chance to right the wrongs and reclaim the WBA belt she feels is still hers. 

The Johnson loss interrupted what had been an incredible rise for this unconventional talent. Hughes found the sport late, initially starting with Boxercise at the age of 25, she later moved into the amateur ranks.

The transition from hobby to purpose took her within a hair of London 2012, where the great Nicola Adams was selected ahead of her in her weight class. Unlike today, women’s professional boxing was not yet a booming business. Having fell just short of the Olympic dream, Hughes moved on. She boxed for fitness from that point on, going back into full-time employment.

The increased prominence and awareness of the sport, led by her old teammate Adams, Ireland’s phenom Katie Taylor and ‘Miss GB’ Natasha Jonas, caused Hughes to reconsider. In 2021, Hughes would make her professional debut.

Less than 12 months later, after just five fights, Hughes was the WBA bantamweight champion. Even by the rapid-rise standards of women’s boxing, that is an astounding feat. Her victory over Jamie Mitchell in Dubai propelled Hughes to the top of her sport.

After a successful defence against Kate Healy in 2023, Hughes lost the title to Johnson. The 30-year-old Australian came in with immense pedigree, having previously reigned as the IBF queen up at super bantamweight. 

Aussie great Shannon O’Connell and top Brit Ellie Scotney were the only two boxers to have beaten Johnson going in. But, whatever you think of the controversy, ‘Sugar Neekz’ boxed well against Hughes. It was close, not matter which side of the fence you sit on. 

That is ultimately why we’re here. These two gave as good as they got in the first one. Now it is time to see whether Johnson or Hughes can make the marginal gains necessary to walk out with the WBA bantamweight title. Let’s just hope the ring announcer calls the right name this time. 

Cherneka Johnson vs Nina Hughes Fight Card

George Kambosos vs. Jake Wyllie

Skye Nicolson vs. Tiara Brown

Cherneka Johnson vs. Nina Hughes

Imam Khataev vs. Durval Elias Palacio

Jayden Buan vs. Jordan Kasilieris

Hemi Ahio vs. Aekkaphob Auraiwan

Teremoana Junior vs. James Singh

Cherneka Johnson vs Nina Hughes Prediction

I put myself in the camp of those that felt Hughes did enough last time out. But what I am unsure of is whether, at the age of 42 and on away soil, she can do enough to convince the judges. While I feel like she might do enough to win, the scorecards might not reflect her efforts.

For this reason, I’m picking Johnson to pick up the victory. She is a fine fighter and someone I can see growing into the role of champion once more. She was a convincing IBF ruler at the weight above. I think ‘Sugar Neekz’ will start this WBA bantamweight reign off on the right foot with a decision win at 5/6.

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