Nina Meinke Undergoes Emergency Spinal Surgery

IBF Champion NIna Meinke  Faces Long Road Back With Just 20% Full Recovery Chance

Nina Meinke, Germany’s reigning IBF featherweight queen, has undergone emergency back surgery after months of crippling pain and an alarming diagnosis that put her career—and mobility—at serious risk. The operation, triggered by a dangerously compressed nerve, aimed to prevent permanent loss of function in her right leg.

Doctors acted fast. They had to. The alternative was irreversible damage.

Now, the surgery’s behind her—but the brutal truth is: she’s got a long, uncertain road ahead.

What exactly happened to Meinke?

What began as back and leg pain spiralled into a medical crisis. Doctors found a nerve in her lower spine being crushed to the point where she was days away from potentially losing all sensation in her right leg.

When imaging confirmed the extent of the compression, Meinke was rushed into surgery under the care of a world-renowned spinal specialist. The procedure was successful, but not without grim odds: she has only a 20% chance of full recovery.

That said, there’s one glimmer of hope—she’s already regained some movement. Small steps, but ones that matter.

Her rehab begins in 2–3 weeks.

What did Meinke say about the ordeal?

In a raw and honest update, Meinke broke her silence:

“I know many people were wondering why I suddenly disappeared from the public eye. The truth is, I was enduring the worst pain of my life.”

She also revealed just how sudden the situation was:

“It was an absolute shock when I learned I needed immediate surgery—with just a 20% chance of a full recovery. I was right in the middle of planning a major new project and discussing upcoming potential fights when I got the news.”

“Right now, my only goal is to take it step by step, getting back to life, and hopefully, back into the ring.”

For now, her focus is 100% on recovery. Boxing can wait.

Everyone at BoxingNews24.com wishes Nina Meinke a full and successful recovery.