Lani Daniels
Te Arani Moana "Lani" Daniels (15 July 1988) is a New Zealand professional boxer who is the first New Zealand Born and maori decscent to become a Two division World Boxing champion.[3] She has held the IBF female heavyweight title since May 2023,[4] and the IBF Light Heavyweight title since December 2023. She is the fourth boxer of Maori descent to win a world boxing championship.[5] Daniels is currently signed with Dean Lonergan for a three fight deal under D & L Events.
| Lani Daniels | |
|---|---|
Daniels in number 1 boxrec shirt | |
| Born | Te Arani Moana Daniels 15 July 1988[1][2] Whangārei, New Zealand |
| Other names | The Smiling Assassin |
| Residence | Pipiwai, New Zealand |
| Height | 169 cm (5 ft 7 in) |
| Weight | 76.4 kg (168 lb; 12 st 0 lb) |
| Division | |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Team | Tukaha Boxing and fitness Rebel Lee Gar (2018 - Present) NJE Promotions(2017) Glozier Boxing(2019) D & L Events (2023 - 2024) Nabby's Boxing GYM (Amateur Career) |
| Trainer | John Conway |
| Years active | 2017 - Present |
| Professional boxing record | |
| Total | 14 |
| Wins | 10 |
| By knockout | 1 |
| Losses | 2 |
| By knockout | 0 |
| Draws | 2 |
| Other information | |
| Occupation | Professional Boxer Register Nurse |
| University | Waikato Institute of Technology |
| Boxing record from BoxRec | |
Early life edit
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.[6] She got 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.[7]
Amateur career edit
Daniels originally started boxing to lose weight alongside her sister.[8] 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[9][10]
Professional career edit
Debut to multiple national champion 2017 – 2018 edit
In September 2017, Daniels made her professional debut against another debutant boxer Trish Vaka on the Big Bash Boxing Promotion.[11] Lani Daniels won bout by Unanimous Decision.[12] 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.[13]
In March 2018, Daniels took on another New Zealand champion Geovana Peres.[14] Peres at the time before the belt held both New Zealand National Boxing Federation and Professional Boxing Commission Light Heavyweight titles.[15] 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.[16] In July 2018, Daniels defended her NZPBA title against former world ranked boxer Nailini Helu.[17] The bout went the full 8 rounds with Lani Daniels almost winning all the rounds, winning the bout by unanimous decision retaining the title.[18] 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.[19]
World title contender, Tualevao Rivalry 2019 edit
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.[20] 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.[21] 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.[22] 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.[23] This fight was on the undercard of the Geovana Peres vs. Claire Hafner World title fight night.[24]
Comeback, Receiving Call outs 2021 – 2022 edit
On 27 February 2021, Daniels was scheduled to make her in-ring return to fight Alrie Meleisea for a major world title.[25] 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.[26] Eventually the fight got called off altogether due to boxing politics and communication breakdowns behind the scenes.[27]
On 4 September, Daniels was originally scheduled to return to the ring, to fight at Eden Park.[28] 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.[29] Daniels won the fight by unanimous decision.[30] A rematch was scheduled to take place on 24 June at The Plaza in Putāruru.[31] 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.[32] Daniels won the fight against Smith by unanimous decision with the fight being reported as very close.[33] 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.[34] In July 2022, Daniels received a WBA rankings of 3rd in the light heavyweight division.[35] Shortly afterwards, Daniels received another increase in the rankings to not only 2nd in the WBA, but also 1st in the WBC.[36] In November 2022, South African national women's champion Razel Mohammed took to social media demanding a fight against Daniels.[37]
World title fight, Hemingway rematch, Alrie Meleisea Rivalry, D & L Promotions 2023 edit
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.[38] In January 2023, it was announced that Daniels was in negotiations with Meleisea team for a potencial world title fight in May.[39] Also in January, it was announced that negotiations were happening to have a tuneup fight against Sequita Hemingway before the world title fight.[40] 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.[41] This will be a warm up fight for the world title.[42] 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.[43] 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.[44] On March 10, Daniels won her fight against Sequita Hemingway by unanimous decision, winning the ANBF Australasian Heavyweight title.[45] Lani Daniels reveal that this world title fight against Alrie Meleisea might be her retirement fight for her professional boxing career.[46] Daniels won the fight by unanimous decision, securing the IBF world heavyweight title.[47] Daniels has stated she would continue her career if the money was right. On the 18th of July it was announced that Daniels had signed a three fight deal with boxing promoter Dean Lonergan under D & L Promotions.[48] At the same time, It was announced that Daniels will defend her world title against South African boxer Razel Mohammed on 26th of 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.[49] For her last fight of 2023, she will fight for the first time in her boxing career in her hometown of Northland.[50] Daniels will take on Desley Robinson for the vacant IBF World light heavyweight title.[51] 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.[52] On the 7th of November, it was announced that the event was sold out.[53] Daniels won the fight by Majority decision, becoming a two division world champion.[54]
Personal life edit
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.[55] Outside of her own training, Daniels trains her family for free, to give back to the youth and community.[56][57]
Boxing Titles edit
Amateur Boxing edit
Professional Boxing edit
- New Zealand Professional Boxing Association
- New Zealand National Light Heavyweight title (171 Ibs)
- Pro Box NZ
- New Zealand National Super Middleweight title (167 Ibs)
- New Zealand National Light Heavyweight title
- Australian National Boxing Federation
- Australasian Heavyweight title
- International Boxing Federation
- World Heavyweight title
- World Light Heavyweight title
Professional boxing record edit
| 14 fights | 10 wins | 2 losses |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 1 | 0 |
| By decision | 9 | 2 |
| Draws | 2 | |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Win | 10–2–2 | Desley Robinson | MD | 10 | 2 Dec 2023 | McKay Stadium, Whangarei, New Zealand | won vacant IBF female light heavyweight title |
| 13 | Win | 9–2–2 | Razel Mohammed | TKO | 4 (10 | 26 Aug 2023 | Eventfinda, Auckland, New Zealand | Retained IBF female heavyweight title |
| 12 | Win | 8–2–2 | Alrie Meleisea | UD | 10 | 27 May 2023 | Eventfinda, Auckland, New Zealand | Won vacant IBF female heavyweight title |
| 11 | Win | 7–2–2 | Sequita Hemingway | UD | 8 | 10 Mar 2023 | ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand | Won vacant ANBF Australasian heavyweight title |
| 10 | Win | 6–2–2 | Tinta Smith | UD | 8 | 24 Jun 2022 | Don Rowlands Event Centre, Lake Karapiro, New Zealand | Won vacant Pro-Box NZ female light-heavyweight title |
| 9 | Win | 5–2–2 | Sequita Hemingway | UD | 6 | 30 Apr 2022 | ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand | |
| 8 | Draw | 4–2–2 | Tessa Tualevao | SD | 8 | 4 Oct 2019 | SkyCity, Auckland, New Zealand | For vacant PBCNZ female middleweight title |
| 7 | Draw | 4–2–1 | Tessa Tualevao | PTS | 8 | 2 Aug 2019 | ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand | For vacant PBCNZ female middleweight title |
| 6 | Loss | 4–2 | Geovana Peres | UD | 10 | 30 Mar 2019 | SkyCity, Auckland, New Zealand | For vacant WBO female light-heavyweight title |
| 5 | Win | 4–1 | Tessa Tualevao | UD | 8 | 22 Sep 2018 | Cambridge Raceway, Cambridge, New Zealand | Won vacantPro-Box NZ version female super-middleweight title |
| 4 | Win | 3–1 | Nailini Helu | UD | 8 | 14 Jul 2018 | Auckland Netball Centre, Auckland, New Zealand | Retained NZPBA female light-heavyweight |
| 3 | Loss | 2–1 | Geovana Peres | SD | 10 | 16 Mar 2018 | ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand | For PBCNZ female light-heavyweight title |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Trish Vaka | UD | 8 | 18 Nov 2017 | Cambridge Raceway, Cambridge, New Zealand | Won vacant NZPBA female light-heavyweight title |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Trish Vaka | UD | 4 | 1 Sep 2017 | Auckland Netball Centre, Auckland, New Zealand |
Basketball edit
| No. 7 – Te Tai Tokerau Northland Phoenix | |
|---|---|
| Position | Point Guard |
| League | WBC New Zealand |
| Personal information | |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Career information | |
| Playing career | 2016–2019 |
| Position | Point Guard |
| Number | 7 |
| Career history | |
| 2016–2019 | Te Tai Tokerau Northland Phoenix |
Between 2016 and 2018, Daniels played basketball for the Te Tai Tokerau Northland Phoenix, competing at the New Zealand Women's Basketball Championships.[61] Daniels was the Phoenix team lead scorer in 2017.[62] Daniels competed in two National Championship tournaments. In 2017, the Phoenix finished eleventh place on the standings.[63] In 2018, the team competed in the tier 2 conference, coming in fourth place.[64]
Awards and recognitions edit
- Boxing New Zealand
- 2015 Bobby Johnson Cup Most Scientific boxer (Won)[65]
- Northland Sports Awards
- New Zealand Boxing Awards
- Te Tai Tokerau Māori Sports Awards
- 2023 Te Tohu TaKaro Toa Wahine Outstanding Sportswoman Award (Nominated)[70]
- Maori Sports Awards
- 2023 Te Pikinga o Tawhaki Individual Māori World Champions (Won)[71]
- Halberg Awards
Filmography edit
Television edit
References edit
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- ^ "LANI DANIELS VS. ALRIE MELEISEA: DATE, START TIME, TV CHANNEL AND LIVE STREAM". DAZN. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
- ^ "Lani Daniels a double world champion after victory over Australian". TVNZ One News. 3 December 2023. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
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- ^ "Lani Daniels gets new opponent for New Zealand title fight". Women Boxing. 9 May 2022. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
- ^ "Lani Daniels wins third career boxing title". Te Ao News Maori TV. 25 June 2022. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
- ^ "Flu couldn't stop Daniels' slugfest". Waatea News. 28 June 2022. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
- ^ "Two wāhine Māori climb world boxing rankings". Te Ao Maori TV. 3 July 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
- ^ "Lani Daniels Ranked on top of the world". Women's Boxing. 7 October 2022. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
- ^ "Lani Daniels offers South African boxer 'knuckle sandwich'". Te Ao Maori News. 19 November 2022. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
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- ^ "Northland boxer Lani Daniels gets World Heavyweight title shot". Northern Advocate. 14 January 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
- ^ "Lani Daniels: IBF confirms world title fight for 'humble' fighter from Pīpīwai". Maori TV. 15 January 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
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- ^ "Lani Daniels claims historic title in victory over Sequita Hemingway". Te Ao Maori. 11 March 2023. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
- ^ "Northland boxer Lani Daniels fighting to be women's world heavyweight champion". New Zealand Herald. 24 May 2023. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
- ^ "Boxing: Lani Daniels defeats Alrie Meleisea to win historic world heavyweight title fight in NZ". Newshub. 27 May 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
- ^ "World champions Mea Motu and Lani Daniels to top Auckland bill". Stuff NZ. 18 July 2023. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
- ^ "Mea Motu keeps super bantamweight title, Lani Daniels retains heavyweight crown". Stuff NZ. 27 August 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
- ^ "Kiwi world champs prepare to fight in front of northern whānau". TVNZ One news. 28 August 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
- ^ "Tearful Kiwi boxing champion Lani Daniels opens up on grief over younger brother's death". Stuff NZ. 15 November 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
- ^ "Boxing: Whangārei's Lani Daniels meets opponent, vows to win vacant IBF light heavyweight world title". NZ Herald. 2 November 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
- ^ "Big fight night featuring Mea Motu and Lani Daniels in Whangārei sold out". NZ Herald. 7 November 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
- ^ "Mea Motu and Lani Daniels triumph at Wahine Toa II fight night". NZ Herald. 3 December 2023. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
- ^ "Smiling Assassin gunning for WBO world title". Newsroom. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
- ^ "1512 Lani Daniels NZ Maori Professional Female Boxer". Waatea. 16 December 2022. Retrieved 16 December 2022.
- ^ "Youth work keeping Daniels fit between bouts". Waatea. 16 December 2022. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
- ^ "Nursing student wins national boxing title". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
- ^ "Lani Daniels targets Olympics after winning national boxing title". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
- ^ "BOBBYJOHNSON CUP Elite Female Most Scientific Boxer". Boxing NZ. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
- ^ "Basketball Profile". Basketball Australiabasket. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
- ^ "2018 WBC Just Around The Corner". Otago Basketball. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
- ^ "2017 Basketball Results" (PDF). New Zealand Basketball. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
- ^ "2018 Basketball Results" (PDF). New Zealand Basketball. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
- ^ "BOBBY JOHNSON CUP". Boxing NZ. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
- ^ "New Zealand: Lani Daniels wins Local Award". Women Boxing. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
- ^ "2022 Finalists". Northland Sports. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
- ^ "Winners 2019 Gladrap Awards". Gladrap. Retrieved 3 January 2020.
- ^ "Gladrap Awards 2019". Gladrap Channel. Retrieved 3 January 2020.
- ^ "Boxers get nominated for local indigenous awards". Women's Boxing. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
- ^ "FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2023 MĀORI SPORTS AWARDS". Maori Sports Awards. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
- ^ "Almost 80 nominations for 61st Halberg Awards". One News. 14 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
- ^ "Northland's Mea Motu, Lani Daniels and Cameron Leslie nominated for Halberg Awards". NZ Herald. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.