Hamburg, Germany – September 21, 2024 – In a thrilling display of skill and stamina, Nina Meinke secured a majority decision victory over Argentine powerhouse Daniela Bermudez to claim the vacant IBF featherweight world title. The 12-round fight, which took place at the Sporthalle in Hamburg, Germany, showcased the impressive talent of both fighters, but it was Meinke who took the belt after two judges scored the fight overwhelmingly in her favor.
The final scorecards read 119-109 y 118-110 for Meinke, and the third judge scored 114-114resulting in a majority decision that left Bermudez and her team visibly disappointed. For the German southpaw, the win marked a pivotal moment in her career, having previously come up short in her first title shot. The win not only solidified her position in the featherweight division but also filled the void left by Amanda Serrano, who vacated the title earlier this year.
Daniela Bermudez: a legend in the making
Despite the loss, Daniela Romina Bermudez remains one of the most decorated and respected female boxers in women’s boxing. Born in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, on July 7, 1989, Bermudez has built an impressive career spanning multiple weight divisions. The 35-year-old Argentinean is no stranger to world championships, having won titles in three weight classes during her illustrious career.
Bermudez’s rise in the boxing world has been a testament to her relentless determination and unmatched skill. Coming from a family of fighters, with her sister Evelyn Nazarena Bermudez also a world champion, Daniela’s journey to the top was almost inevitable. Her family’s gym, Bermudez Boxing Club in Villa Gobernador Galvez, Santa Fe, became the foundation upon which her legacy would be built.
She made her professional debut in 2010 and quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Over the next decade, she amassed a remarkable resume, winning the WBO women’s bantamweight title twice, the WBO super flyweight title and the IBF junior featherweight title. Throughout her career, she faced some of the biggest names in women’s boxing, consistently proving that she could compete with the best.
The Hamburg clash: a hard-fought battle
Heading into the fight against Meinke, Bermudez was determined to capture his fourth world title and further cement his place in the annals of boxing history. However, the fight did not go as planned for the Argentine fighter. Despite her best efforts, Bermudez struggled to find her rhythm against the taller and more agile Meinke, who effectively used her reach and movement to control the pace of the fight.
Daniela Romina Bermúdez (ARG) Image by Torsten Helmke
In the fight, Meinke delivered a disciplined performance, taking advantage of her southpaw stance to land effective punches and combinations throughout the fight. Bermudez, known for her aggressive style and power, found it difficult to close the distance and land meaningful blows on the German fighter. Although Bermudez showed flashes of her brilliance, particularly in the middle rounds, Meinke’s superior conditioning and strategy ultimately prevailed. The 12-round fight was a tough test of endurance for both fighters. Meinke, who had been preparing for this moment for over a year, proved to be the more consistent boxer that night, using her footwork and timing to outbox the veteran Bermudez.
Bermudez’s Road to Redemption
For Daniela Bermudez, the loss to Meinke marks her second failed attempt to capture a world title in the featherweight division. Her previous attempt came in 2021 when she was knocked out by Amanda Serrano, one of the sport’s most dominant fighters. Despite these setbacks, Bermudez’s reputation as one of the best in the world remains intact.
His career has been defined by his ability to bounce back from defeat. After losing to Serrano, Bermudez won three consecutive fights, including two by knockout. She has consistently shown that she can adapt, improve and come back stronger after each challenge.
Bermudez has also been a pioneer in Argentine women’s boxing, inspiring a new generation of female fighters. Her relentless pursuit of greatness and her willingness to take on the toughest opponents have earned her the respect and admiration of boxing fans around the world. At 35, Bermudez may be entering the twilight of his career, but he has shown no signs of slowing down. With three world titles to her credit, she has little left to prove. However, her desire to become a four-division world champion will likely fuel her motivation for future fights.
What’s next for Meinke and Bermudez?
Nina Meinke, now IBF world featherweight champion, is at the top of her game. With this win, she has established herself as a major player in the division and a potential contender for unification fights in the future. Meinke’s performance against Bermudez proved that she is ready to face the best the division has to offer.
For Daniela Bermudez, the loss is a setback, but it is unlikely to be the end of her story. With her vast experience and impressive track record, a comeback is certainly within the realm of possibility. Whether she decides to continue pursuing a featherweight title or return to a lower weight class remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Bermudez will remain a formidable force in women’s boxing.
As the dust settles on this exciting night in Hamburg, the spotlight now turns to both fighters for different reasons. Meinke’s rise to world champion status and Bermudez’s continued pursuit of greatness ensure that women’s boxing fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming months.
