Essex boxer Nina Hughes has vowed to be “ready for anything” when she challenges for the world title she lost in controversial circumstances.
The 42-year-old was declared the winner against Australian Cherneka Johnson last May, only for the ring announcer to correct himself and award a majority verdict to her opponent.
Video of the fight has since been scrutinised and the World Boxing Association has ordered Johnson to defend her bantamweight belt in a re-match, with the fight now set to go ahead in Sydney on 22 March.
Hughes had hoped the bout could take place in December or this month, but she told BBC Essex: “It’s finally confirmed, it’s been a long time, waiting. I’m just glad to get the date now. It’s full steam ahead, eight weeks to go.
“I don’t believe I should have lost it so it would mean everything to bring that belt back again and become a two-time world champion.”
Hughes won the title in only her fifth professional bout by outpointing Jamie Mitchell in November 2022, having first taken up the sport at the age of 25.
A successful defence followed against Katie Healy but her unbeaten record came to an end against Johnson, who was eventually awarded a 98-92, 96-94 win on two cards, with the third judge scoring it as a draw.
