Nina Meinke Retains IBF Title, Adds IBO Belt in Hamburg Victory

Nina Meinke successfully defended her IBF featherweight world championship and added the vacant IBO title to her collection with a unanimous decision victory over Dyana Vargas in Hamburg, Germany, on March 21, 2026. The win marked Meinke’s return to the ring after a ten-month layoff due to a back injury.

Dominant Performance for Meinke

The judges scored the bout 119–109 twice and 120–108 in favor of Meinke. According to Boxingnews24.com, Meinke controlled the fight by utilizing her jab and combinations, keeping Vargas at range and dictating the pace.

Vargas attempted to press forward, but struggled to effectively close the distance against Meinke’s consistent attack. Meinke increased her work rate through the middle rounds, landing straight shots and hooks. While Vargas had moments of success, Meinke consistently regained control with her jab.

Injury Comeback

Meinke’s victory is particularly significant given her recent health challenges. She underwent back surgery after suffering a herniated disc following her May 2025 title defense, casting doubt on her ability to continue her career. FightNews.com reports that Meinke expressed gratitude for her team’s support in her recovery.

Undercard Results

The undercard featured several heavyweight bouts. Peter Kadiru defeated Mauricio Nicolas Barragan by unanimous decision, dropping Barragan three times during their eight-round contest. Viktor Jurk stopped Emilio Ezequiel Zarate in the second round, while Felix Langberg secured a fourth-round stoppage against Djuar El Scheich. Emanuel Odiase went the distance, earning an eight-round decision over Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko.

Looking Ahead

Meinke has expressed interest in a potential fight against Amanda Serrano, a bout that was previously cancelled due to a last-minute injury to Serrano two years prior. She also mentioned a desire for a unification bout against Tiara Brown.