Boxing fans erupt over 'insane' Cherneka Johnson drama: 'Stop the fight'

Warning: the following story contains graphic images

Australian boxer Cherneka Johnson has been sensationally caused of doping after defending her IBF super bantamweight world title against fellow Aussie Susie Ramadan in Melbourne on Sunday.

Johnson overcame a nasty cut that left some viewers insisting the fight should be stopped, before retaining her belt with a unanimous points decision in the undercard of the George Kambosos-Devin Haney world title rematch at Rod Laver Arena.

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The challenger Ramadan had threatened an upset after a clash of heads opened up a nasty cut above the champion's eye in the second round.

Blood began streaming out of the deep gash above Johnson’s left eye, which impeded the champ's vision and left her blood-stained all over.

“The champion is badly cut over her left eye,” Main Event commentator Ben Damon said.

“It’s in a terrible spot and it is bleeding profusely. It’s right in the eye and this could be a real problem for the continuation of this fight. That is a deep wound. That’s enormous. This might cause an end to this fight.

“I don’t know Cherneka Johnson will like it if she’s caught with plenty more when she’s fighting essentially with one eye. There’s blood all over Ramadan as well.

“She is covered with blood. It’s streaming down her face and there’s no way she can see out of that eye.

Viewers were left in shock by the bloody scenes, with some questioning how the referee allowed the fight to continue.

However, others praised Johnson's cutman for being able to stem the flow of blood enough between rounds that she was allowed to keep boxing.

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Incredibly, the blood-soaked Johnson, who won the belt in Melbourne in June, defied the gruesome nature of the injury to battle her way to a memorable win.

A five-time former world champion, 43-year-old opponent Ramadan was unhappy with the judges' decision and the fight referee.

"It seemed like a set-up to be honest," Ramadan said in the ring post-fight.

"My name's Ramadan but I'm a proud Australian. I was born and raised here."

She went on to claim New Zealand-born Johnson should be drug tested after making an extraordinary accusation about the fighter without any semblance of proof.

"I hope she gets tested too, because I've been told she's on it," Ramadan said, providing no evidence for her claims.

The 27-year-old champion dedicated victory to her brother Levi, who died in a stabbing in Brisbane last month.

"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," said Johnson, who fights out of Melbourne.

"I knew I could get through it if I stayed on my jab and didn't get stuck in a brawl.

"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."

with AAP

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