Hamburg, Germany – September 21, 2024 — In a thrilling display of skill and endurance, Nina Meinke secured a majority decision victory over the Argentine powerhouse Daniela Bermúdez to claim the vacant IBF world featherweight title. The 12-round bout, which took place at the Sporthalle in Hamburg, Germany, showcased both fighters’ impressive talent, but it was Meinke who walked away with the belt after two judges scored the fight overwhelmingly in her favor.
The final scorecards read 119-109 and 118-110 for Meinke, with the third judge scoring it 114-114, resulting in a majority decision that left Bermúdez and her team visibly disappointed. For the German southpaw, this victory marked a pivotal moment in her career, having previously fallen short in her first title shot. The win not only solidified her standing in the featherweight division but also filled the void left by Amanda Serrano, who vacated the title earlier this year.
Daniela Bermúdez: A Legend in the Making
Despite the defeat, Daniela Romina Bermúdez remains one of the most decorated and respected boxers in women’s boxing. Born in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, on July 7, 1989, Bermúdez has built an impressive career that spans multiple weight divisions. The 35-year-old Argentine is no stranger to world championships, having held titles across three weight classes during her illustrious career.
Bermúdez’s rise in the boxing world has been a testament to her relentless determination and unparalleled skill. Coming from a fighting family, with her sister Evelyn Nazarena Bermúdez also a world champion, Daniela’s journey to the top was almost inevitable. Her family’s gym, Bermúdez Boxing Club in Villa Gobernador Gálvez, Santa Fe, became the foundation from which her legacy would be built.
She made her professional debut in 2010, quickly establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with. Over the next decade, she amassed a remarkable resume, winning the WBO female 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, Bermúdez was determined to capture her fourth world title and further cement her place in the annals of boxing history. However, the fight did not go as planned for the Argentine fighter. Despite her best efforts, Bermúdez 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 Bermudez (ARG) Image by Torsten Helmke
The bout saw Meinke deliver a disciplined performance, capitalizing on her southpaw stance to land effective jabs and combinations throughout the fight. Bermúdez, known for her aggressive style and power, found it difficult to close the distance and land significant blows on the German fighter. Though Bermúdez displayed flashes of her brilliance, particularly in the middle rounds, Meinke’s superior conditioning and strategy ultimately prevailed.
The 12-round fight was a grueling 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 on the night, using her footwork and timing to outmaneuver the veteran Bermúdez.
Bermúdez’s Road to Redemption
For Daniela Bermúdez, 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 most dominant fighters in the sport. Despite these setbacks, Bermúdez’s reputation as one of the best in the world remains intact.
Her career has been defined by her ability to bounce back from defeat. After losing to Serrano, Bermúdez went on to win three consecutive fights, including two by knockout. She has consistently shown that she can adapt, improve, and come back stronger after every challenge.
Bermúdez has also been a trailblazer for Argentine women’s boxing, inspiring a new generation of fighters. Her relentless pursuit of greatness and willingness to take on the toughest opponents has earned her respect and admiration from boxing fans worldwide.
At 35, Bermúdez may be entering the twilight of her career, but she has shown no signs of slowing down. With three world titles already to her name, 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 Bermúdez?
Nina Meinke, now the IBF world featherweight champion, finds herself at the pinnacle of her career. With this victory, she has established herself as a major player in the division and a potential contender for unification bouts in the future. Meinke’s performance against Bermúdez demonstrated that she is ready to take on the best the division has to offer.
For Daniela Bermúdez, the loss is a setback, but it’s 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 chooses to continue pursuing a featherweight title or return to a lower weight class remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Bermúdez will continue to be a formidable force in women’s boxing.
As the dust settles on this thrilling night in Hamburg, the spotlight now shines on both fighters for different reasons. Meinke’s rise to world champion status and Bermúdez’s continued quest for greatness ensure that fans of women’s boxing have much to look forward to in the coming months.
