Dealt the toughest of blows earlier this month by the violent death of her brother, Brisbane boxer Cherneka Johnson remains focused on defending her world title next month.
The 27-year-old will take on Victorian veteran Susie Ramadan on the undercard of the world title rematch between George Kambosos and American Devin Haney at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena on Sunday October 16.
Johnson took the vacant IBF world super bantamweight crown in Melbourne in April when she overcame Mexican Melissa Esquivel.
But she has had an interrupted build-up to this fight, where a crowd of 15,000 is expected, including taking some time away to film a television show.
She was then rocked by the death of her 23-year-old brother Levi, a Comancheros associate, who was fatally stabbed outside a Brisbane gym.
A steely Johnson, who fights under the moniker Sugar Neekz, did not want to go into details but said she had not let the tragedy affect her preparation.
"It definitely hasn't upset my training, it's all eyes on the prize," said Johnson, whose record stands at 14-0.
"I'm definitely focused and I haven't let that distract me from what I've got to do. I'm all about this fight."
The Kiwi-born bruiser also could not give too much away about the upcoming television program although said it was called The Challenge.
"That's all I can say for now ... it was something completely different from boxing, I was completely out of my comfort zone," she told AAP.
"I was away about four weeks filming but since I've come back, about four or five weeks ago, it's been head down just completely focusing on the fight."
Ramadan has held five world titles during her long career, which stalled during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Melbourne.
But the 43-year-old, whose record is 29-3, said she was in the best shape of her life.
"This opportunity has come along, to fight for a world title in my home town on a major platform, so I'm definitely excited," Ramadan said.
The pair used to train at the same gym a few years ago and have sparred together, so know each other's style well.
Johnson did not think that familiarity would help either fighter once they climbed into the ring.
"When it comes to fighting you can never predict or assume what someone is going to come out like on fight night," Johnson said.
"She's a come-forward, aggressive fighter and I will be ready for her."
