Lani Daniels vs Alrie Meleisea
{{Short description|Boxing competition}}
{{update|written in future tense|date=August 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox boxing match
| Fight Name = Next World Champion
| fight date = 27 May 2023
| image = 300 px
| location = Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
| fighter1 = {{flagicon|NZ}}{{flagicon|Maori}} Lani Daniels
| nickname1 = The Smiling Assassin
| record1 = 7–2–2
| hometown1 = Pipiwai, New Zealand
| height1 = {{height|ft=5|in=6}}
| weight1 =
| style1 = Orthodox
| recognition1 = WBA No. 2, WBO, WBC, IBF, WBO, ESPN & Boxrec No. 1 Ranked Heavyweight
Three Time New Zealand Champion
ANBF Australasian Champion
Former WBO World title Challenger
| fighter2 = {{flagicon|NZL}}{{flagicon|Samoa}} Alrie Meleisea
| nickname2 =
| record2 = 6–1–1
| hometown2 = Auckland, New Zealand
| height2 = {{height|ft=5|in=7}}
| weight2 =
| style2 = Orthodox
| recognition2 = IBF, WBO, ESPN & Boxrec No. 2 Ranked Heavyweight
Two time New Zealand Champion
UBF Asia Pacific Champion
| purse1 =
| purse2 =
| titles = Inaugural IBF Heavyweight Championship
| result = Daniels wins by unanimous decision
(98–92, 98–92, 99–91)
}}
Lani Daniels vs Alrie Meleisea, billed as Next World Champion was a boxing fight between Lani Daniels and Alrie Meleisea. It took place on 27 May 2023 at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. This fight made history for being the first World title between two New Zealand-born boxers and the first World title between Maori and Pasifika people.{{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=Te Ao Maori|date=2023-01-15|access-date=2023-02-27}} Lani Daniels is well known for her first world title opportunity when she fought against Geovana Peres in their rematch dubbed History In The Making. Daniels three New Zealand title including the NZPBA Light Heavyweight title, Pro Box New Zealand Light Heavyweight title and Pro Box New Zealand Super Middleweight title.{{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 Maori|date=2022-06-26 |access-date=2023-02-27}} She represents her Iwi the Ngāti Hine.{{cite web|url=https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/sport/daniels-peres-rematch-world-boxing-title|title=Daniels-Peres rematch for World Boxing Title|publisher=Maori TV|access-date=2019-03-14}} She is the second New Zealand Born female to be fighting for a major World title. The first being Daniella Smith, who is from the same hometown as Lani Daniels.{{cite web|url=https://www.worldboxingnews.net/2018/12/18/peres-daniels-battle-womens-wbo-strap/|title=Peres, Daniels to battle it out for Women's WBO strap|publisher=World Boxing News|access-date=2019-03-14}} Alrie Meleisea is a New Zealand born Samoan who has won three titles in her career including the NZPBA Heavyweight title, UBF Asia Pacific title and Pro Box New Zealand title.{{cite web|url=https://www.worldboxingnews.net/2017/03/12/alrie-meleisea-defeats-nailini-helu-at-aba-stadium/|title=Alrie Meleisea defeats Nailini Helu at ABA Stadium|publisher=World Boxing News|date= 2017-03-12|access-date=2023-02-27}}{{cite web|url=https://tpplus.co.nz/sports/heavyweight-boxer-alrie-meleisea-training-for-ibf-world-title-im-betting-on-me/?fbclid=IwAR3SJdkbo9w4ecZE2UCip_ufG1n0gEaGnsVu0BmSHI5W3GgvZOhcPu9RTLc|title=Heavyweight boxer Alrie Meleisea training for IBF world title: "I'm betting on me."|publisher=TPPlus|date= 2023-02-22|access-date=2023-02-27}}
History
= Background =
Daniels vs Meleisea was originally scheduled to take part on the Joseph Parker vs. Junior Fa Undercard in February 2021, however, it was boxing politics that stopped this fight from happening.{{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 a world champion|publisher=Stuff NZ|date= 2023-01-19|access-date=2023-02-27}} Negotiations picked up again after Meleisea defeated Sequita Hemingway In December 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/300763040/hemingway-misses-out-on-nz-title-with-loss-to-meleisea|title=Hemingway misses out on NZ title with loss to Meleisea|publisher=Stuff NZ|date= 2022-12-12|access-date=2023-02-27}} It was confirmed on the 9th January 2023 that discussions had been happening since Christmas.{{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=Te Ao Maori|date=2023-01-09|access-date=2023-02-27}} Shortly after the announcement, it was confirmed that the world title was set to happen for the vacant IBF World Heavyweight title.{{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=2023-02-27}} Promoter Kovacevic has stated he is working on making this fight for a unification for the WBO and IBF title, however, as of January 21, IBF title was only confirmed.{{cite web|url=https://www.teaomaori.news/lani-daniels-fight-could-unify-two-world-title-belts|title=Lani Daniels' fight could unify two world title belts|publisher=Te Ao Maori|date= 2023-01-21|access-date=2023-02-27}} As of result of the world title being booked, the IBF created their first World Heavyweight Women's rankings in eight years.{{cite web|url=https://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2023/news020423historical-data-on-ibf.htm|title=Historic IBF Rankings update|publisher=Women Boxing|date= 2023-02-03|access-date=2023-02-27}}
Leading into the fight, Daniels opted to fight in a warm up fight on March 10 again Sequita Hemingway in a rematch for the historical ANBF Heavyweight title.{{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}} It is considered a big risk as a loss for Daniels could affectively cancel the world title on the fight.{{cite web|url=https://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2023/news022023new-zealand-news.htm|title=Boxers get nominated for local indigenous awards|publisher=Women Boxing|date= 2023-02-20|access-date=2023-02-27}} Meleisea has gone straight into training camp instead for the fight against Daniels.{{cite web|url=https://www.teaomaori.news/alrie-meleisea-and-lani-daniels-fight-lifetime?_ga=2.170403426.378844889.1677476642-1655341237.1671144317|title=Alrie Meleisea and Lani Daniels 'fight of a lifetime'|publisher=Te Ao Maori|date= 2023-01-28|access-date=2023-02-27}} 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}}
On the 15th May, former WBO World Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker stated his support for Meleisea.{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/boxing-joseph-parker-picks-favourite-alrie-meleisea-for-ibf-world-title-fight/SEDAIZ2ZKZGBTNTGM53FVCZK2Y/ |title=Boxing: Joseph Parker picks favourite Alrie Meleisea for IBF world title fight|publisher=New Zealand Herald |date=2023-05-15 |access-date=2023-05-24}} Heavyweight boxing legend David Tua Also showed his support on Radio Samoa for Meleisea leading into the fight.{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=264529759441365|title=Taimi with TUAMAN (15 MAY 2023) Faumuina To'aletai David Tua|publisher=Radio Samoa |date=2023-05-15 |access-date=2023-05-24}}
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 has stated she would continue her career if the money was right. Professional boxing judge and boxing commentator Benjamin Watt has predicted that Daniels would win the first three rounds of the fight, but after that, anything could happen.{{cite web |url=https://waateanews.com/2023/05/24/benji-watt-boxing-commentator-and-judge/|title=Benji Watt Boxing Commentator and Judge|publisher=Waatea Radio |date=2023-05-24 |access-date=2023-05-24}}
Fight card
| class="toccolours" style="font-size: 85%;" |
| style="background:#e6e8fa; color:#000; text-align:center;"| Weight Class
! style="background:#e6e8fa; color:#000; text-align:center;"| Weight ! style="background:#e6e8fa; color:#000; text-align:center;"| ! style="background:#e6e8fa; color:#000; text-align:center;"| vs. ! style="background:#e6e8fa; color:#000; text-align:center;"| ! style="background:#e6e8fa; color:#000; text-align:center;"| Method ! style="background:#e6e8fa; color:#000; text-align:center;"| Round ! style="background:#e6e8fa; color:#000; text-align:center;"| Time ! style="background:#e6e8fa; color:#000; text-align:center;"| Notes |
|---|
| Heavyweight
|175 + lbs. |{{flagicon|NZL}}{{flagicon|Maori}} Lani Daniels |def. |{{flagicon|NZL}}{{flagicon|Samoa}} Alrie Meleisea |align=center|UD |align=center|10 |align=center| |{{ref|Lani Daniels vs. Alrie Meleisea|Note 1}} |
| Super Flyweight
|115 lbs. |{{flagicon|Mexico}} Jaqueline Mucio |def. |{{flagicon|NZL}}{{flagicon|UK}} Michelle Preston Munoz |align=center|TD |align=center|6 (8) |align=center| | |
| Cruiserweight
|200 lbs. |{{flagicon|NZL}} Ioane Auvaa |def. |{{flagicon|NZL}} Tyrone Warren |align=center|TKO |align=center|3 (4) |align=center| | |
| Catchweight
|137.7 lbs. |{{flagicon|NZL}}{{flagicon|South Africa}} Zain Adams |def. |{{flagicon|NZL}}{{flagicon|Congo}} Obedi Maguchi |align=center|TKO |align=center|1 (4) |align=center|2:40 | |
{{note|Lani Daniels vs. Alrie Meleisea|Note 1|For the vacant IBF World Heavyweight title}}
Fight Details
The event is promoted by Vasco Kovačević who is also Meleisea's Trainer and Manager.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/ibf-title-fight-te-arani-moana-daniels-gets-her-shot-at-a-world-heavyweight-title/HEAHBZSZCVCIFOEALIAQNPY6EQ/|title=IBF title fight: Te Arani Moana Daniels gets her shot at a world heavyweight title|publisher=New Zealand Herald|date= 2023-02-27|access-date=2023-02-27}} This is the first televised event that Kovačević has put on. The fight was fought at Eventfinda Stadium, formerly known as North Shore Events Centre, in North Shore, Auckland New Zealand. General Adminssion Tickets for the fight went on sale with Eventfinda and Corporate tables were sold with Vasco Kovačević RLCA. General Admission tickets sold at $58.38 for a single ticket or $210.96 for four tickets. Door Sales were sold at $78.88.{{cite web|url=https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2023/next-world-champion/auckland/wairau-valley|title=Ticket information|publisher=Eventfinda|access-date=2023-05-24}} Corporate tables were sold between $1080 and $2500. Mika Haka performed the national anthem for New Zealand.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/boxing-lani-daniels-pipiwai-has-a-heavyweight-world-champion/RSYVTWI5NRAEXOSLG5WW5JAE6U/|title=Boxing: Lani Daniels: Pīpīwai has a heavyweight world champion|publisher=New Zealand Herald|date=2023-05-28 |access-date=2023-05-28}}
= Broadcasting =
On the 3rd of February it was announced that the world title would be broadcast in New Zealand with Sky Sports on Sky TV.{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/northland-boxers-lani-daniels-world-title-fight-to-be-televised/RN7QQUI63FCFPLDFWRM5262AHM/|title=Northland boxer Lani Daniels' world title fight to be televised|publisher=Northern Advocate|date= 2023-02-03|access-date=2023-02-27}} The event would be free for Sky Customers who has the Sky Sports package. However Sky customers without Sky Sports Package and non Sky Customers are able to watch the event on "Sky Sports Now" website with a one off one week subscription of sky sports for $20. On the 22nd of February, it was announced that FITE was interested in broadcasting the event internationally.{{cite web|url=https://www.ringnews24.com/2023/02/22/lani-daniels-and-alrie-meleisea-the-first-ever-maori-vs-pasifika-world-title-fight/|title=Lani Daniels and Alrie Meleisea the first-ever Maori vs Pasifika world title fight|publisher=Ring News 24|date= 2023-02-22|access-date=2023-02-27}} Fite PPV cost $19.99 Australia $14.99 USA, Canada, United Kingdom and Ireland. $9.99 rest of the world. Combat Sports Network New Zealand will also be broadcasting the event for $29.99 for a one off one week subscription to the website streaming service.
| class="wikitable collapsible" font-size:95%;" | |
| colspan=2|International broadcasters | |
|---|---|
| align=center | Country
! align=center | Broadcaster | |
| {{flag|New Zealand}} | Sky Sports Pop Up |
| Rest of the world | FITE |
| Rest of the world | Combat Service Network New Zealand |
= Media build up =
On the 12th April, there was a press conference that was dub the first face off between Lani Daniels and Alrie Meleisea, However, Daniels was not able to make it due to covid.{{cite news|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2023/04/boxing-kiwi-heavyweights-alrie-meleisea-lani-daniels-square-off-for-women-s-ibf-crown-at-auckland.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412233148/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2023/04/boxing-kiwi-heavyweights-alrie-meleisea-lani-daniels-square-off-for-women-s-ibf-crown-at-auckland.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 April 2023|title=Boxing: Kiwi heavyweights Alrie Meleisea, Lani Daniels square off for women's IBF crown at Auckland|newspaper=Newshub|date= 2023-05-05|access-date=2023-05-24}} Promoter Vasco Kovacevic stated to Newshub "We don't give it to them until after they've actually achieved something, but most of the time, it's bandwagon". On the 5th May, all of the event team as well as the camps of Daniels and Meleisea were welcomed onto the Orakei Marae. This was to welcome both fighter onto the Marae, to pay their respects and to pay respects to the first Maori world champion Daniella Smith.{{cite web|url=https://www.teaomaori.news/wahine-toa-make-history-heavyweight-boxing-clash|title=Wāhine toa to make history in heavyweight boxing clash|publisher=Te Ao Maori News|date= 2023-05-05|access-date=2023-05-24}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlMd9y_Eipc|title=IBF Heavyweight World Title: Alrie Meleisea vs Lani Daniels|publisher=Radio Samoa|date= 2023-05-05|access-date=2023-05-24}} This is where Meleisea stated its nothing personal its strictly business, which was a common saying being used in the build up for the David Tua vs Shane Cameron fight.
Aftermath
After winning the fight, the town of Pipiwai started planning a parade for Daniels to walk in, to celebrate her achievements.{{cite web|url=https://www.teaomaori.news/pipiwai-welcome-our-new-world-champion-home-parade|title=Pīpīwai to welcome 'our new world champion home' with parade|publisher=Te Ao Maori |date=2023-05-28 |access-date=2023-05-28}} The parade took place on the 2 June with 300 people attended the event, which is more than the population of Pipiwai itself.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/northland/132199017/small-northland-town-expects-more-success-thanks-to-world-champ-lani-daniels|title=Small Northland town expects more success, thanks to world champ Lani Daniels|publisher=Stuff NZ |date=2023-06-02 |access-date=2023-06-02}}