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Lani Daniels

{{short description|New Zealand boxer}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}

{{Infobox martial artist

| name = Lani Daniels

| image = File:Lani daniels boxrec posing.jpg

| image_size = 200px

| alt =

| caption = Daniels in number 1 boxrec shirt

| birth_name = Te Arani Moana Daniels

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1988|07|15}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/wba-boxer-profile?e=37a3372726478643062714b6f6d49337166764a7a6f413d3d|title=Lani daniels Boxer|publisher=WBA |date= |access-date=2023-05-28}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dazn.com/en-GB/news/boxing/lani-daniels-vs-alrie-meleisea-date-start-time-tv-channel-and-live-stream/1g7e4nr57q9k51cmrl447jz501?fbclid=IwAR1WrBJBjhsA-nc2Whtn97cvHmffcI45j5KVHepjGBd16awr5ljJDfQwqIE|title=LANI DANIELS VS. ALRIE MELEISEA: DATE, START TIME, TV CHANNEL AND LIVE STREAM|publisher=DAZN |date= |access-date=2023-05-28}}

| birth_place = Whangārei, New Zealand

| native_name =

| native_name_lang =

| other_names = The Smiling Assassin

| residence = Pipiwai, New Zealand

| height =

| height_ft =

| height_in =

| height_cm = 169

| height_footnote =

| weight =

| weight_lb =

| weight_kg = 76.4

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| weight_class = {{plainlist|

}}

| reach =

| reach_in =

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| martial_art =

| style =

| stance = Orthodox

| fighting_out_of =

| team = Tukaha Boxing and fitness
Rebel Lee Gar (2018 - Present)
NJE Promotions(2017)
Glozier Boxing(2019)
D & L Events (2023)
Nabby's Boxing GYM (Amateur Career)

| teacher =

| trainer = John Conway

| rank =

| wrestling =

| years_active = 2017 - Present

| box_win = 11

| box_kowin = 1

| box_loss = 2

| box_koloss = 0

| box_draw = 2

| box_nc =

| occupation = Professional Boxer
Register Nurse

| university = Waikato Institute of Technology

| spouse =

| children =

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| students =

| club =

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| website =

| boxrec = 808643

| footnotes =

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| updated =

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}}

Te Arani Moana "Lani" Daniels (15 July 1988) is a New Zealand professional boxer who became the first New Zealand-born boxer of Māori descent to become a two-division world boxing champion.{{cite web|url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/12/03/lani-daniels-a-double-world-champion-after-victory-over-australian/|title=Lani Daniels a double world champion after victory over Australian|publisher=TVNZ One News |date=2023-12-03|access-date=2023-12-04}} She has held the IBF female heavyweight title between May and December 2023,{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/combat-sports/300890811/lani-daniels-outslugs-alrie-meleisea-in-world-heavyweight-title-fight-in-nz|title=Lani Daniels outslugs Alrie Meleisea in world heavyweight title fight in NZ|publisher=Stuff |date=2023-05-27 |access-date=2023-05-27}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/lani-daniels-world-champion-boxer-forced-to-vacate-one-of-her-titles/2FGQUPI6SFFYRLJY7U5EN3ZX3Q/|title=Boxing: World champion Lani Daniels forced to vacate one of her titles

|publisher=The New Zealand Herald |date=2024-01-10 |access-date=2023-01-10}} and the IBF Light Heavyweight title since December 2023. She is the fourth boxer of Maori descent to win a world boxing championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/490811/daniels-crowned-world-heavyweight-champion|title=Daniels crowned world heavyweight champion|publisher=RNZ |date=2023-05-28 |access-date=2023-05-28}}

Early life

Daniels is one of nine siblings. At the age of 14, Daniels' younger brother died of leukemia at the age of 11. This led to Daniels turning to drugs and alcohol with contemplation of suicide.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/motivate-me/106602358/boxing-saved-my-life-when-finding-the-will-to-live-is-the-biggest-win|title='Boxing saved my life': When finding the will to live is the biggest win|publisher=Stuff |date= |access-date=2018-10-19}} She was inspired by her sister Caroline, who was already fighting as an amateur boxer. Since then, Lani turned her life around and became a mental health nurse. She fights alongside her sister Caroline with both of them being amateur and, later on, professional boxers.{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/sport/10285147/Daniels-sisters-making-their-mark-in-the-ring|title=Daniels sisters making their mark in the ring|publisher=Stuff |date= |access-date=2018-10-19}}

Amateur career

Daniels originally started boxing to lose weight alongside her sister.{{cite web|url=https://waateanews.com/2022/07/05/boxing-diet-pushes-daniels-up-rankings/|title=Boxing diet pushes Daniels up rankings|publisher=Waatea News |date=5 July 2022 |access-date=2022-07-06}} Daniels began her career in the amateur division. She first started with her sister Caroline in Hamilton under the coach Dion McNabney at Nabby's Boxing GYM. Daniels is a two-time New Zealand amateur boxing champion, winning the titles in 2014 and 2015. Its estimated she has fought around 30 amateur boxing fights and 4 corporate fights{{cite web|url=http://www.boxingnz.org.nz/asset/downloadasset?id=b0aaa232-672b-48d8-b621-767a466f39df |title=New Zealand Amateur Boxing female champion history|publisher=Boxing NZ |date= |access-date=2018-10-19}}{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/sport/74530684/nabbys-gym-female-boxing-quartet-swapping-hamilton-for-serbia-in-january |title=Nabby's Gym female boxing quartet swapping Hamilton for Serbia in January|publisher=Stuff NZ |date= |access-date=2022-05-09}}

Professional career

= Debut to multiple national champion 2017 – 2018 =

In September 2017, Daniels made her professional debut against another debutant boxer Trish Vaka on the Big Bash Boxing Promotion.{{cite web|url=http://events.ww100.govt.nz/2017/the-big-bash-8/auckland/st-johns |title=The Big Bash 8|publisher=WW100|date= |access-date=2018-10-19}} Lani Daniels won bout by Unanimous Decision.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWowUIZcuPU&t=13770s |title=Big Bash 8 Replay|publisher=

VirtualTicket.tv|date= |access-date=2018-10-19}} In November 2017, Daniels fought Vaka again in a rematch, but this time for the vacant NZPBA Light Heavyweight Title. Daniels won the bout by unanimous decision, winning all of the scheduled rounds by two judges and picking up her first title.{{cite web|url=http://www.womenofboxing.com/march-16-geovana-peres-defends-her-pbcnz-new-zealand-light-heavyweight-title-against-nzpba-new-zealand-champion-lani-daniels/ |title=March 16: Geovana Peres Defends her PBCNZ New Zealand Light Heavyweight Title Against NZPBA New Zealand Champion Lani Daniels|publisher=Women of Boxing|date= |access-date=2018-10-19}}

In March 2018, Daniels took on another New Zealand champion Geovana Peres.{{cite web|url=http://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2018/news030618peres.htm |title=Battle of the New Zealand Titles|publisher=WomenBoxing|date= |access-date=2018-10-19}} Peres at the time before the belt held both New Zealand National Boxing Federation and Professional Boxing Commission Light Heavyweight titles.{{cite web|url=https://www.worldboxingnews.com/brazilian-geovana-peres-ranked-number-one-world/ |title=Brazilian Geovana Peres ranked number one in the world|publisher=World Boxing News|date= |access-date=2018-10-19}} Geovana Peres was defending her PBCNZ Light Heavyweight title in the bout against Daniels. It was a close bout, however Daniels lost bout by split decision, suffering her first professional defeat.{{cite web|url=http://www.womenofboxing.com/geovana-peres-prevails-in-defense-of-her-pbcnz-new-zealand-light-heavyweight-title-against-lani-daniels/ |title=Geovana Peres Prevails in Defense of her PBCNZ New Zealand Light Heavyweight Title Against Lani Daniels|publisher=Women of Boxing|date= |access-date=2018-10-19}} In July 2018, Daniels defended her NZPBA title against former world ranked boxer Nailini Helu.{{cite web|url=https://www.worldboxingnews.com/nailini-helu-v-lani-daniels-tops-south-auckland-on-july-14/ |title=Nailini Helu v Lani Daniels tops South Auckland on July 14|publisher=World Boxing News|date= |access-date=2018-10-19}} The bout went the full 8 rounds with Lani Daniels almost winning all the rounds, winning the bout by unanimous decision retaining the title.{{cite web|url=https://www.worldboxingnews.com/lani-daniels-retains-new-zealand-strap-via-ud/ |title=Lani Daniels retains New Zealand strap via UD|publisher=World Boxing News|date= |access-date=2018-10-19}} In September 2018, Daniels fought Tessa Tualevao for the vacant Pro Box NZ Super Middleweight title in Cambridge, New Zealand. Daniels won the bout by unanimous decision, winning her second professional title.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO3sLdPcomc |title=Post Fight with Lani Daniels after winning the Probox NZ Supermiddle Weight Title|publisher=Gladrap Channel|date= |access-date=2018-10-19}}

= World title contender, Tualevao Rivalry 2019 =

{{main|Geovana Peres vs Lani Daniels II}}

On 17 December 2018, it was announced that Daniels will be going against Geovana Peres in a rematch for the WBO light heavyweight title. The event took place on 30 March 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/combat-sports/109414413/kiwis-geovana-peres-and-lani-daniels-to-fight-for-world-boxing-title |title=Kiwis Geovana Peres and Lani Daniels to fight for world boxing title|publisher=Stuff |date= |access-date=2018-12-17}} Daniels lost the bout by unanimous decision.

On 19 June 2019, it was announced that a rematch between Daniels and Tessa Tualevao would happen on 2 August 2019, at ABA Stadium for the vacant New Zealand Professional Boxing Commission Female middleweight title. During the announcement it was revealed that Daniels was still ranked 5th on the WBA world rankings.{{cite web|url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/wba-female-ranking#.XYa9PCgzZPY |title=WBA Rankings September 2019|publisher=WBA|date= |access-date=22 September 2019}} This was the first time that Daniels fought in the middleweight division in her professional career. The fight reached the full 8 round but the bout ended in a draw, leaving the belt to remain vacant.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAVk7E7MdbU |title=Main Event: Lani Daniels vs Tessa Tualevao PBCNZ Women's Middleweight Title 2Aug19|publisher=Gladrap Channel|date= |access-date=22 September 2019}} On 13 August 2019, Bruce Glozier announced that the third bout between Daniels and Tessa Tualevao would happen on 4 October 2019, at Sky City Convention Centre. This was for the vacant New Zealand Professional Boxing Commission Female middleweight title.{{cite web|url=https://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2019/news092719new-zealand-news.htm |title=Daniels vs Tualevao III a week away|publisher=Women Boxing|date= |access-date=29 September 2019}} This fight was on the undercard of the Geovana Peres vs. Claire Hafner World title fight night.{{cite web|url=https://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2019/news091819peres.htm |title=Geovana Peres will defend her World title against Canadian Boxer|publisher=Women Boxing|date= |access-date=22 September 2019}}

= Comeback, Receiving Call outs 2021 – 2022 =

On 27 February 2021, Daniels was scheduled to make her in-ring return to fight Alrie Meleisea for a major world title.{{cite web|url=https://www.fightnews.co.nz/news/169274-two-new-zealand-boxers-world-rankings.html |title=Two New Zealand boxers in World rankings|publisher=Fight News NZ|date= |access-date=2022-05-09}} Unfortunately, there were a lot of problems with behind the scenes which went from being for a world title, to an intercontinental title, to a regional title, to it being a national title.{{cite web|url=https://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2021/news022321latest-new-zealand-news.htm |title=Alrie Melesiea vs. Lani Daniels On February 27th at Sparks Arena in Auckland in New Zealand|publisher=Women Boxing|date= |access-date=2022-05-09}} Eventually the fight got called off altogether due to boxing politics and communication breakdowns behind the scenes.{{cite web|url=http://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2022/news042922new-zealand-news.htm |title=Three Women fights to headline New Zealand show|publisher=Women Boxing|date= |access-date=2022-05-09}}

On 4 September, Daniels was originally scheduled to return to the ring, to fight at Eden Park.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/northland-news-in-brief-two-female-boxers-in-auckland-fight-night-and-pensioner-flats-upgraded/LPF2PMU5EVTQEXC2V7H435TAFQ/ |title=Northland news in brief: Two female boxers in Auckland fight night; and pensioner flats upgraded|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date= |access-date=2022-05-09}} Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand, the fight got postponed. The fight ended up happening on 30 April 2022 at ABA Stadium against professional rugby player Sequita Hemingway.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/300574501/hemingway-hopes-to-step-up-to-next-level-in-tough-fight |title=Hemingway hopes to step up to next level in tough fight|publisher=Stuff NZ|date= |access-date=2022-05-09}} Daniels won the fight by unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=http://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2022/news043022new-zealand-news.htm |title=Lani Daniels back on top of the world|publisher=Women's Boxing|date= |access-date=2022-05-09}} A rematch was scheduled to take place on 24 June at The Plaza in Putāruru.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/northland-boxer-lani-daniels-vies-to-become-first-female-to-win-nz-national-heavyweight-title/SOR2BV7HATJ5DXDHQONYG423HM/ |title=Northland boxer Lani Daniels vies to become first female to win NZ national Heavyweight title|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date= |access-date=2022-05-09}} However, Hemingway pulled out of the fight shortly after it was announced. Daniels will now take on amateur boxer Tinta Smith for the New Zealand National (Pro Box NZ version) light heavyweight title.{{cite web|url=http://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2022/news050922Lani-daniels.htm |title=Lani Daniels gets new opponent for New Zealand title fight|publisher=Women Boxing|date=2022-05-09 |access-date=2022-06-25}} Daniels won the fight against Smith by unanimous decision with the fight being reported as very close.{{cite web|url=https://www.teaomaori.news/lani-daniels-wins-third-career-boxing-title |title=Lani Daniels wins third career boxing title|publisher=Te Ao News Maori TV|date=2022-06-25 |access-date=2022-06-25}} After the fight, it was reported that Daniels struggled with her camp for the fight due to having Covid at the beginning of the camp, a leg injury, the flu closer to the fight and a family member suddenly a month before the fight.{{cite web|url=https://waateanews.com/2022/06/28/flu-couldnt-stop-daniels-slugfest/ |title=Flu couldn't stop Daniels' slugfest|publisher=Waatea News|date=2022-06-28 |access-date=2022-06-29}} In July 2022, Daniels received a WBA rankings of 3rd in the light heavyweight division.{{cite web|url=https://www.teaomaori.news/two-wahine-maori-climb-world-boxing-rankings |title=Two wāhine Māori climb world boxing rankings|publisher=Te Ao Maori TV|date=2022-07-03 |access-date=2022-07-04}} Shortly afterwards, Daniels received another increase in the rankings to not only 2nd in the WBA, but also 1st in the WBC.{{cite web|url=https://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2022/news100722latest-news-new-zealand.htm |title=Lani Daniels Ranked on top of the world|publisher=Women's Boxing|date=2022-10-07 |access-date=2022-11-21}} In November 2022, South African national women's champion Razel Mohammed took to social media demanding a fight against Daniels.{{cite web|url=https://www.teaomaori.news/lani-daniels-offers-south-african-boxer-knuckle-sandwich |title=Lani Daniels offers South African boxer 'knuckle sandwich'|publisher=Te Ao Maori News|date=2022-11-19 |access-date=2022-11-21}}

= World title fight, Hemingway rematch, Alrie Meleisea Rivalry, D & L Promotions 2023 =

{{main|Lani Daniels vs Alrie Meleisea}}

On 9 December, Alrie Meleisea defeated Sequita Hemingway for the Pro Box NZ heavyweight title. After her fight, Meleisea asked if she would be interested in a world title fight against Daniels. She replied “Anytime, anywhere, any place,” officially calling out Daniels.{{cite news |title= Hemingway misses out on NZ title with loss to Meleisea |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/300763040/hemingway-misses-out-on-nz-title-with-loss-to-meleisea|work=Stuff NZ |access-date=13 December 2022}} In January 2023, it was announced that Daniels was in negotiations with Meleisea team for a potencial world title fight in May.{{cite web |url=https://www.teaomaori.news/lani-daniels-talks-underway-potential-historic-world-title-fight |title=Lani Daniels: Talks underway for potential historic world title fight|publisher=Maori TV |date=2023-01-09 |access-date=2023-01-09}} Also in January, it was announced that negotiations were happening to have a tuneup fight against Sequita Hemingway before the world title fight.{{cite web |url=http://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2023/news011123hemingway.htm |title=Sequita Hemingway in talks for rematch against boxer who is going for world title|publisher=Women Boxing |date=2023-01-11 |access-date=2023-01-13}} On 14 January, it was announced that Daniels' fight against Sequita Hemingway was confirmed for 10 March at ABA Stadium for the historical vacant ANBF Australasian heavyweight title.{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/northland-boxer-lani-daniels-gets-world-heavyweight-title-shot/LB44AYBLKRC67I2IZ7NFJDTHHY/ |title=Northland boxer Lani Daniels gets World Heavyweight title shot

|publisher=Northern Advocate |date=2023-01-14 |access-date=2023-01-16}} This will be a warm up fight for the world title.{{cite web |url=https://www.teaomaori.news/lani-daniels-ibf-confirms-world-title-fight-humble-fighter-pipiwai |title=Lani Daniels: IBF confirms world title fight for 'humble' fighter from Pīpīwai

|publisher=Maori TV |date=2023-01-15 |access-date=2023-01-16}} On the same day it was confirmed that Daniels would take on Meleisea for the first-ever IBF World women's heavyweight title on 27 May at Eventfinda Stadium.{{cite web |url=https://waateanews.com/2023/01/16/ibf-world-title-confirmed-for-lani-daniels-vs-alrie-meleisea/ |title=IBF World title confirmed for Lani Daniels vs Alrie Meleisea|publisher=Waatea News |date=2023-01-16 |access-date=2023-01-16}} The intentions for the Hemingway fight is not only to be a tune up fight but also to help pay the bills for the world title fight.{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/combat-sports/300786176/lani-daniels-going-the-extra-mile-to-be-new-zealands-next-heavyweight-world-champion |title=Lani Daniels going the extra mile to be New Zealand's next heavyweight world champion|publisher=IBF |date=2023-01-19 |access-date=2023-01-19}} On March 10, Daniels won her fight against Sequita Hemingway by unanimous decision, winning the ANBF Australasian Heavyweight title.{{cite web |url=https://www.teaomaori.news/lani-daniels-claims-historic-title-victory-over-sequita-hemingway |title=Lani Daniels claims historic title in victory over Sequita Hemingway|publisher=Te Ao Maori |date=2023-03-11 |access-date=2023-03-12}} Lani Daniels reveal that this world title fight against Alrie Meleisea might be her retirement fight for her professional boxing career.{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/northland-boxer-lani-daniels-fighting-to-be-womens-world-heavyweight-champion/SYVXI4SDABE4LLVUR4XWSDZZNY/|title=Northland boxer Lani Daniels fighting to be women's world heavyweight champion|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=2023-05-24 |access-date=2023-05-24}} Daniels won the fight by unanimous decision, securing the IBF world heavyweight title.{{cite web |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2023/05/boxing-lani-daniels-defeats-alrie-meleisea-to-win-historic-world-heavyweight-title-fight-in-nz.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527222104/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2023/05/boxing-lani-daniels-defeats-alrie-meleisea-to-win-historic-world-heavyweight-title-fight-in-nz.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 May 2023|title=Boxing: Lani Daniels defeats Alrie Meleisea to win historic world heavyweight title fight in NZ|publisher=Newshub |date=2023-05-27 |access-date=2023-05-28}} Daniels has stated she would continue her career if the money was right. On 18 July it was announced that Daniels had signed a three fight deal with boxing promoter Dean Lonergan under D & L Promotions.{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/combat-sports/300930060/world-champions-mea-motu-and-lani-daniels-to-top-auckland-bill|title=World champions Mea Motu and Lani Daniels to top Auckland bill|publisher=Stuff NZ|date=2023-07-18|access-date=2023-07-20}} At the same time, It was announced that Daniels will defend her world title against South African boxer Razel Mohammed on 26 August at Eventfinda Stadium. Daniels retains her World title in dominating fashion, winning the fight by TKO, giving her the first Stoppage win of her career.{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/combat-sports/300958504/mea-motu-keeps-super-bantamweight-title-lani-daniels-retains-heavyweight-crown|title=Mea Motu keeps super bantamweight title, Lani Daniels retains heavyweight crown |publisher=Stuff NZ|date=2023-08-27|access-date=2023-11-20}} For her last fight of 2023, she will fight for the first time in her boxing career in her hometown of Northland.{{cite web |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/08/28/kiwi-world-champs-prepare-to-fight-in-front-of-northern-whanau/|title=Kiwi world champs prepare to fight in front of northern whānau |publisher=TVNZ One news|date=2023-08-28|access-date=2023-11-20}} Daniels will take on Desley Robinson for the vacant IBF World light heavyweight title.{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/combat-sports/301008446/tearful-kiwi-boxing-champion-lani-daniels-opens-up-on-grief-over-younger-brothers-death|title=Tearful Kiwi boxing champion Lani Daniels opens up on grief over younger brother's death|publisher=Stuff NZ|date=2023-11-15|access-date=2023-11-20}} If Daniels win this fight, she would become the first New Zealand born and first Maori to win two world titles, as well as two world titles in two different weight divisions.{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/whangarei-boxer-lani-daniels-meets-opponent-and-vows-to-win-vacant-ibf-light-heavyweight-world-title/XTY2B3J7I5BGXECOO6KMVZI7O4/|title=Boxing: Whangārei's Lani Daniels meets opponent, vows to win vacant IBF light heavyweight world title|publisher=The New Zealand Herald |date=2023-11-02|access-date=2023-11-20}} On 7 November, it was announced that the event was sold out.{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/big-fight-night-featuring-mea-motu-and-lani-daniels-in-whangarei-sold-out/BM575QXGFZBLTCOVM3TBLGIF2M/|title=Big fight night featuring Mea Motu and Lani Daniels in Whangārei sold out

|publisher=The New Zealand Herald |date=2023-11-07|access-date=2023-11-20}} Daniels won the fight by Majority decision, becoming a two division world champion.{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northland-age/news/mea-motu-and-lani-daniels-triumph-at-wahine-toa-ii-fight-night/I6WFTPJUAZDALNMU4VBTLJJ7CE/|title=Mea Motu and Lani Daniels triumph at Wahine Toa II fight night|publisher=The New Zealand Herald |date=2023-12-03|access-date=2023-12-04}}

=Title defense against Oluwole, Salita Promotions deal=

Daniels successfully defended her light-heavyweight title against the previously unbeaten Bolatito Oluwole at Claudelands Arena, Hamilton, on 7 September 2024, winning by unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/09/08/daniels-defends-world-title-with-dominant-unanimous-decision/|title=Daniels defends world title with dominant unanimous decision|publisher=1News|accessdate=26 April 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/boxing/boxing-lani-daniels-retains-ibf-light-heavyweight-world-title-with-unanimous-decision-win/IORT3S4725CBNMJBSSLAINGJHA/|title=Boxing: Lani Daniels retains IBF light heavyweight world title with unanimous decision win|publisher=New Zealand Herald|accessdate=26 April 2025}}

She signed a contract with Salita Promotions in April 2025.{{cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/titleholders-lani-daniels-che-kenneally-both-sign-with-salita|title=Titleholders Lani Daniels, Che Kenneally both sign with Salita|publisher=Boxing Scene|accessdate=25 April 2025}}

Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins

Daniels took part in the British quasi-military training reality television show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins which was aired on Channel 4 in September and October 2024. She was one of two contestants to successfully complete the course.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a62605200/celebrity-sas-who-dares-wins-2024-winners/|title=Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins crowns 2024 winners in dramatic finale|publisher=digitalspy.com|accessdate=22 October 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ok.co.uk/tv/celebrity-sas-winners-crowned-i-33890998|title=Celeb SAS winners crowned - with two stars proving they're tougher than the rest|publisher=OK Magazine|accessdate=22 October 2024}}

Personal life

Daniels is a descendant of Te Tai Tokerau. She is from the Iwi Ngāti Hine which is part of the wider Ngāpuhi. She also belongs to the Hapū Te Orewai. When she isn't boxing, Daniels is a mental health nurse. She currently resides in the small town of Pipiwai.{{cite web|url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/lockerroom/pipiwais-smiling-assassin-gunning-for-wbo-world-title |title=Smiling Assassin gunning for WBO world title|publisher=Newsroom|date= |access-date=2022-12-15}} Outside of her own training, Daniels trains her family for free, to give back to the youth and community.{{cite web|url=https://waateanews.com/2022/12/15/1512-lani-daniels-nz-maori-professional-female-boxer/ |title=1512 Lani Daniels NZ Maori Professional Female Boxer|publisher=Waatea|date=2022-12-16 |access-date=2022-12-16}}{{cite web|url=https://waateanews.com/2022/12/16/youth-work-keeping-daniels-fit-between-bouts/ |title=Youth work keeping Daniels fit between bouts|publisher=Waatea|date=2022-12-16 |access-date=2022-12-17}}

Boxing titles

File:Lani Daniels with her three New Zealand Titles.jpg

=Amateur boxing=

  • Boxing NZ
  • New Zealand Amateur Light Heavyweight (2014){{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/sport/10635874/Nursing-student-wins-national-boxing-title |title=Nursing student wins national boxing title|publisher=Stuff |date= |access-date=2018-10-19}}
  • New Zealand Amateur Middleweight (2015){{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/sport/73314240/lani-daniels-targets-olympics-after-winning-national-boxing-title |title=Lani Daniels targets Olympics after winning national boxing title|publisher=Stuff |date= |access-date=2018-10-19}}
  • Bobby Johnson Cup (Most Scientific boxer at the 2015 New Zealand national amateur championships){{cite web|url=https://www.boxingnz.org.nz/asset/downloadasset?id=d7f1ca8b-3566-478e-b535-e01a9a88eb84 |title=BOBBYJOHNSON CUP Elite Female Most Scientific Boxer|publisher=Boxing NZ|date= |access-date=2022-06-26}}

=Professional boxing=

Professional boxing record

{{BoxingRecordSummary

|draws=2

|nc=

|ko-wins=1

|ko-losses=0

|dec-wins=10

|dec-losses=2

|dq-wins=

|dq-losses=

}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{{abbr|No.|Number}}

!Result

!Record

!Opponent

!Type

!Round, time

!Date

!Location

!Notes

15

|{{yes2}}Win

|11-2-2

|style="text-align:left;"|Bolatito Oluwole

|UD

|10

|7 Sep 2024

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Claudelands Arena, Hamilton, New Zealand}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBF female light heavyweight title}}

14

|{{yes2}}Win

|10–2–2

|style="text-align:left;"|Desley Robinson

|MD

|10

|2 Dec 2023

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|McKay Stadium, Whangarei, New Zealand}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant IBF female light heavyweight title}}

13

|{{yes2}}Win

|9–2–2

|style="text-align:left;"| Razel Mohammed

|TKO

|4 (10)

|26 Aug 2023

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Eventfinda, Auckland, New Zealand}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBF female heavyweight title}}

12

|{{yes2}}Win

|8–2–2

|style="text-align:left;"|Alrie Meleisea

|UD

|10

|27 May 2023

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Eventfinda, Auckland, New Zealand}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant IBF female heavyweight title}}

11

|{{yes2}}Win

|7–2–2

|style="text-align:left;"|Sequita Hemingway

|UD

|8

|10 Mar 2023

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant ANBF Australasian heavyweight title}}

10

|{{yes2}}Win

|6–2–2

|style="text-align:left;"|Tinta Smith

|UD

|8

|24 Jun 2022

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Don Rowlands Event Centre, Lake Karapiro, New Zealand}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant Pro-Box NZ female light-heavyweight title}}

9

|{{yes2}}Win

|5–2–2

|style="text-align:left;"|Sequita Hemingway

|UD

|6

|30 Apr 2022

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand}}

|

8

|style="background:#abcdef;"|Draw

|4–2–2

|style="text-align:left;"|Tessa Tualevao

|SD

|8

|4 Oct 2019

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|SkyCity, Auckland, New Zealand}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For vacant PBCNZ female middleweight title}}

7

|style="background:#abcdef;"|Draw

|4–2–1

|style="text-align:left;"|Tessa Tualevao

|PTS

|8

|2 Aug 2019

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For vacant PBCNZ female middleweight title}}

6

|{{no2}}Loss

|4–2

|style="text-align:left;"|Geovana Peres

|UD

|10

|30 Mar 2019

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|SkyCity, Auckland, New Zealand}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For vacant WBO female light-heavyweight title}}

5

|{{yes2}}Win

|4–1

|style="text-align:left;"|Tessa Tualevao

|UD

|8

|22 Sep 2018

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Cambridge Raceway, Cambridge, New Zealand}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant Pro-Box NZ version female super-middleweight title}}

4

|{{yes2}}Win

|3–1

|style="text-align:left;"|Nailini Helu

|UD

|8

|14 Jul 2018

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Auckland Netball Centre, Auckland, New Zealand}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained NZPBA female light-heavyweight}}

3

|{{no2}}Loss

|2–1

|style="text-align:left;"|Geovana Peres

|{{abbr|SD|Split decision}}

|10

|16 Mar 2018

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For PBCNZ female light-heavyweight title}}

2

|{{yes2}}Win

|2–0

|style="text-align:left;"|Trish Vaka

|UD

|8

|18 Nov 2017

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Cambridge Raceway, Cambridge, New Zealand}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant NZPBA female light-heavyweight title}}

1

|{{yes2}}Win

|1–0

|style="text-align:left;"|Trish Vaka

|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}}

|4

|1 Sep 2017

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Auckland Netball Centre, Auckland, New Zealand}}

|

Basketball

{{Infobox basketball biography

| embed =

| name =

| image =

| image_size =

| alt =

| caption =

| team = Te Tai Tokerau Northland Phoenix

| number = 7

| position = Point Guard

| league = WBC New Zealand

| nationality = New Zealand

| career_start = 2016

| career_end = 2019

| career_position = Point Guard

| career_number = 7

| years1 = 2016–2019

| team1 = Te Tai Tokerau Northland Phoenix

| highlights =

| stat1label =

| stat1value =

| stats_league =

| medal_templates =

}}

Between 2016 and 2018, Daniels played basketball for the Te Tai Tokerau Northland Phoenix, competing at the New Zealand Women's Basketball Championships.{{cite web|url=https://basketball.australiabasket.com/player/Lani-Daniels/474019?Women=1 |title=Basketball Profile |publisher=Basketball Australiabasket|date= |access-date=2023-02-12}} Daniels was the Phoenix team lead scorer in 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.otago.basketball/2018/04/12/2018-wbc-just-around-the-corner/ |title=2018 WBC Just Around The Corner |publisher=Otago Basketball|date= |access-date=2023-02-12}} Daniels competed in two National Championship tournaments. In 2017, the Phoenix finished eleventh place on the standings.{{cite web|url=https://nz.basketball/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/2017.pdf |title=2017 Basketball Results |publisher=New Zealand Basketball|date= |access-date=2023-02-12}} In 2018, the team competed in the tier 2 conference, coming in fourth place.{{cite web|url=https://nz.basketball/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/2018.pdf |title=2018 Basketball Results |publisher=New Zealand Basketball|date= |access-date=2023-02-12}}

Awards and recognitions

  • Boxing New Zealand
  • 2015 Bobby Johnson Cup Most Scientific boxer (Won){{cite web|url=https://www.boxingnz.org.nz/asset/downloadasset?id=ba55709e-5693-423e-8dbe-8084eb7f0e02 |title=BOBBY JOHNSON CUP|publisher=Boxing NZ|date= |access-date=2023-02-12}}
  • Northland Sports Awards
  • 2018 Female Boxer of the Year (Won){{cite web|url=http://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2019/news031819lani-daniels.htm |title=New Zealand: Lani Daniels wins Local Award|publisher=Women Boxing|date= |access-date=2019-03-21}}
  • 2018 Fireco Sportswomen of the Year (Nominated)
  • 2022 Fireco Sportswoman of the Year (Nominated){{cite web|url=https://www.sportnorthland.co.nz/northland-sports-awards/northland-sports-awards |title=2022 Finalists |publisher=Northland Sports|date= |access-date=12 February 2023}}
  • 2023 Sportswoman of the Year (Won)
  • 2023 Northland Sports Supreme of the Year (Won){{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/sporting-success-honoured-at-northland-sports-awards/YNJKLD65M5FXPIGFKQVYH4LNLQ/ |title=Sporting success honoured at Northland Sports Awards |publisher=Northland Sports|date= 21 March 2024|access-date=21 March 2024}}
  • 2024 Sportswoman of the Year (Won)
  • 2024 Northland Sports Supreme of the Year (Won){{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/lani-daniels-and-james-fisher-harris-shine-at-northland-sports-awards/FQOIBWCGKRG4RAL7QNMD2FD264/ |title=Lani Daniels and James Fisher-Harris shine at Northland Sports Awards |publisher=The New Zealand Herald |date= 28 March 2025|access-date=31 March 2025}}
  • New Zealand Boxing Awards
  • 2019 Female boxer of the year (Nominated){{cite web|title=Winners 2019 Gladrap Awards|url=https://gladrapawards.weebly.com/winners2019.html|publisher=Gladrap|access-date=3 January 2020}}
  • 2019 New Zealand Fight of the year (Won){{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2qciOAO7-U |title=Gladrap Awards 2019 |publisher=Gladrap Channel |date= |access-date=3 January 2020}}
  • 2019 Best looking female boxer of the year (Won)
  • 2023 New Zealand Fight of the year (Won)
  • Te Tai Tokerau Māori Sports Awards
  • 2023 Te Tohu TaKaro Toa Wahine Outstanding Sportswoman Award (Nominated){{cite web|url=https://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2023/news022023new-zealand-news.htm |title=Boxers get nominated for local indigenous awards |publisher=Women's Boxing |access-date=5 March 2023}}
  • Maori Sports Awards
  • 2023 Te Pikinga o Tawhaki Individual Māori World Champions (Won){{cite web|url=https://maorisportsawards.co.nz/finalists-announced-for-2023-maori-sports-awards/ |title=FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2023 MĀORI SPORTS AWARDS |publisher=Maori Sports Awards |access-date=20 November 2023}}
  • Halberg Awards
  • 2023 High Performance Sport New Zealand Sportswoman of the Year (Nominated){{cite web|url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/12/14/almost-80-nominations-for-61st-halberg-awards/|title=Almost 80 nominations for 61st Halberg Awards |publisher=One News |date=14 December 2023 |access-date=15 December 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/northlands-mea-motu-lani-daniels-and-cameron-leslie-nominated-for-halberg-awards/SLFNKZIJOFD4RKZR5FR44BADS4/|title=Northland's Mea Motu, Lani Daniels and Cameron Leslie nominated for Halberg Awards |publisher=The New Zealand Herald |date=15 December 2023 |access-date=15 December 2023}}

Filmography

=Television=

class="wikitable"

! style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" | Year

! style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" | Title

! style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" | Role

! style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" | Note

2023

|Breakfast

|Self

|

2023

|7 Days

|Self

|

2024

|Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins

|Self

|Series 6

References

{{Reflist}}

{{New Zealand World Boxing Champions}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Daniels, Lani}}

Category:Māori world boxing champions

Category:1988 births

Category:Living people

Category:New Zealand women boxers

Category:New Zealand professional boxing champions

Category:New Zealand Māori sportspeople

Category:Ngāpuhi people

Category:Ngāti Hine people

Category:Sportspeople from Whangārei

Category:Light-heavyweight boxers

Category:Boxers from Northland

Category:New Zealand women's basketball players

Category:Heavyweight boxers

Category:New Zealand world boxing champions

Category:21st-century New Zealand sportswomen