Mea Motu

Last updated

Mea Motu
Mea Motu Title full version.jpg
Mea Motu with first New Zealand title
Born
Marea Kirimiria Motu

Pukepoto, New Zealand
NationalityNew Zealand
Other namesThe Nightmea
Statistics
Weight(s)Super Lightweight
Lightweight
Super Featherweight
Featherweight
Super Bantamweight
Boxing record [1]
Total fights20
Wins20
Wins by KO8
Losses0
Draws0
Website https://peachboxing.co.nz/

Marea Kirimiria Motu (30 December 1989 Pukepoto, New Zealand) is a New Zealand Maori Professional Boxer.

Contents

Motu is the current IBO World Super Bantamweight Champion. [2] She is a four division New Zealand champion, holding more New Zealand titles than any other female boxer. [3] She broke the 14 year record set by Daniella Smith for holding the most titles in February 2022. [4]

Amateur boxing

Motu discovered boxing at the age of 13. [5] Motu is a five time New Zealand amateur champion, winning two junior titles, and three elite senior titles. [6] During her amateur career, Motu was trained by her mother Aloma Browne and fought alongside her sister Sally Motu, who also won a New Zealand National title. [7] Motu was also trained by Chris Martin. [8] Motu won an World boxing event that was open invertational called the Ringside Bowl World Championship. [9] Motu sister Sally fought at the Golden Gloves event in Queensland in 2016, unfortuanately Mea was unable to compete due to injury. [10] Motu meet Isaac Peach during her amateur boxing years. Since 2020, Peach has been Motu manager and trainer out of Peach Boxing. [11]

Professional boxing

Professional debut, four wins in three months 2020

Motu made her professional boxing debut against City Kickboxing Kickboxer Wendy Talbot in October 2020. [12] Motu won the fight by unanimous decision. [13] Motu made her television fight debut when she took on Sally Kaokao at Sky City Theatre in November 2020. [14] Motu won the fight in quick fashion, winning by stoppage in the second round for her first TKO win. [15] In December 2020, Motu fought Ayisha Abied for the first time out of the three fight they have in the future. Motu won the fight by Unanimous Decision. [16] Motu would return to television her next fight in late December 2020 against Katala Hansen. Motu would finish the fight in quick fashion, finishing the fight in 18 seconds. [17]

Two time New Zealand Champion 2021

In February 2021, Motu would take on Ayisha Abied for the second time in their trilogy. Motu won the fight by Unanimous Decision with her fighting the full six rounds for the first time. [18] In March 2021, Motu took on Tania Reid for the New Zealand National Lightweight title. [19] Reid was well known for being the first ever New Zealand female to win the Australasian title. [12] Motu won the fight by third round stoppage in dominating fashion winning her first professional boxing title. [20] In April 2021, Motu return to television when she fought Toni Moki. Motu won the fight by first round stoppage. [21] After the fight, Motu reach the ranking of 1st on Boxrec and 3rd P4P on Boxrec. [22] Motu would go on to fight Michaela Jenkins back to back in May and July 2021 with the second fight for the New Zealand national Super Lightweight title. [23] Jenkins is a former New Zealand National (Pro Box NZ version) Welterweight champion which she won on a Joseph Parker undercard in December 2018. [24] [25] Motu will not only win both fights against Jenkins, she will also capture her second New Zealand title, but this time in the Super Lightweight division. [26] After the fight, Motu was originally scheduled to fight for a WBA regional title against Australian Beck Hawker. [27] Motu was also scheduled to fight Gentiane Lupi for the WBU World title. [28] However, due to COVID-19 Lockdowns, both fights got cancelled. In August 2021, Motu finished off her year with a fight against Maori professional boxer Rangi Hetet. [29] Motu won the fight by Split Decision.

Record Breaking New Zealand Champion, World Ranked 2022

In February 2022, Motu took on Ayisha Abied for the New Zealand National Featherweight title. [30] If Motu won the fight, she would break a 14-year record that Daniella Smith set that was tied with Lani Daniels, Geovana Peres, and herself. [31] Motu won the fight by first round Knockout winning her third professional boxing title. [32] In February 2022, it was announced a super fight between Motu and Baby Nansen will happen in 2022 as soon as the Auckland lockdowns were over. [33] Motu and Nansen fought on April 30 for the New Zealand National Super Featherweight title [3] [34] The fight itself was messy and close, however, Motu won the fight capturing her fourth New Zealand title. [35] [36] After the fight, Motu made her intentions clear that she wanted to take on New Zealand born Australian, IBF World Super Bantamweight champion Cherneka Johnson. If a fight between Motu and Johnson happened for the world title, it would be the first time in boxing history that two Maori women would compete for a World title. [37] It would be second time for two New Zealand women to compete for a world title behind Lani Daniels vs Geovana Peres for the WBO World title. [38] In June 2022, Motu received her first major international ranking, with her being ranked 10th in the IBF Junior Lightweight division. [39] On 19 August, Motu took on Thailand National Bantamweight champion Thanchanok Phanan for the vacant PBCNZ International Featherweight title. [40] Motu stated she aims to make an impression by knocking out her opponent. [41] Motu won the fight by 4th round stoppage. [42] On the 21st October, Motu took on former WBC World Bantamweight champion Usanakorn Thawilsuhannawang. This is the toughest and highest credential boxer Motu has fought so far in her career. [43] Motu won the fight by Unanimous Decision winning every round of the fight. [44] On 26th of November, for the first time in her professional career, Motu fought overseas against undefeated Iran boxer Nastaran Fathi. This is the first time she will fight for a major regional title. [45] Motu won the fight by Split Decision, winning the vacant WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental super bantamweight title. However, Motu received a bad cut during the fight. [46] At the end of December 2022, Motu finished her boxing 2022 year with receiving a ranking of 7th [47] in the WBA and 16th in the WBC in the Super Bantamweight division. [48]

Third Maori World Champion 2023

In March 2023, it was announced that Mea Motu will fight for the vacant IBO World super bantamweight title against canadian boxer Tania Walters. [49] This will be the first time that boxing promoter Dean Lonergan will have a female main event on his boxing shows. [50] On the 27th of April 2023, Mea Motu won the fight by unanimous decision, becoming the third maori to win a World Boxing title. [51] In August 2023, Motu took on Malawian boxer Ellen Simwaka to defend her IBO World title in a double header with Lani Daniels defending her World title on the same card. [52] Motu won the fight by unanimous decision, overcoming a serious injury with a dislocated shoulder in the first round. [53] For her last fight of 2023, she will fight for the first time in her boxing career in her hometown of Northland. [54] On the 7th of November, it was announced that the event was sold out. [55] Motu will take on Indian boxer Chandni Mehra. [56] Motu won the fight by Unanimous decision. [57] In February 2024, Motu and Peach Boxing announced their departure with Dean Lonergan D&L Events and had signed with No Limit Boxing under Matt and George Rose. [58]

2024 - present

Motu was scheduled to challenge IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine super-bantamweight World champion Ellie Scotney at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England, on 26 October 2024, [59] but Scotney withdrew from the fight due to injury. [60]

On 4 October 2024, Motu defeated Shannon O'Connell via stoppage in the fourth round of their scheduled eight round contest at The Star in Sydney, Australia. [61] [62]

Boxing titles

Amateur titles

Professional titles

Professional boxing record

20 fights20 wins0 losses
By knockout80
By decision120
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
20Win20–0 Shannon O'Connell TKO4 (8) 1.024 October 2024 The Star, Sydney, Australia
19Win19–0Noppaket SrisawasTKO2 (8) 0.5926 April 2024ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
18Win18–0Chandni MehraUD102 Dec 2023McKay Stadium, Whangarei, New Zealand Defended IBO Super Bantamweight World title
17Win17–0Ellen SimwakaUD1026 Aug 2023 Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand Defended IBO Super Bantamweight World title
16Win16–0Tania WaltersUD1027 Apr 2023 Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand Won vacant IBO Super Bantamweight World title
15Win15–0Nastaran FathiSD826 Nov 2022Hilton Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesWon vacant WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental Super Bantamweight title
14Win14–0Usanakorn ThawilsuhannawangUD821 Oct 2022ABA Stadium, Auckland, New ZealandDefended PBCNZ International Featherweight title
13Win13–0Thanchanok PhananTKO4 (8) 1:3919 Aug 2022ABA Stadium, Auckland, New ZealandWon vacant PBCNZ International Featherweight title
12Win12–0 Baby Nansen UD830 Apr 2022ABA Stadium, Auckland, New ZealandWon vacant New Zealand National (PBCNZ version) Super Featherweight title
11Win11–0Ayisha AbiedKO1 (8) 1:2512 Feb 2022ABA Stadium, Auckland, New ZealandWon vacant New Zealand National (PBCNZ version) Featherweight title
10Win10–0Rangi HetetSD57 Aug 2021 Te Rapa Racecourse, Hamilton, New Zealand
9Win9–0Michaela JenkinsUD83 Jul 2021ABA Stadium, Auckland, New ZealandWon vacant New Zealand National (PBCNZ version) Super Lightweight title
8Win8–0Michaela JenkinsUD48 May 2021ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
7Win7–0Toni MokiTKO1 (4), 1:599 Apr 2021 Sky City Theatre, Auckland, New Zealand
6Win6–0Tania ReidTKO3 (8)26 Mar 2021Takapuna Rugby Football Club, Auckland, New ZealandWon vacant New Zealand National (NZPBA version) Lightweight title
5Win5–0Ayisha AbiedUD613 Feb 2021 ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
4Win4–0Katala HansenTKO1 (4) 0:1819 Dec 2020 ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
3Win3–0Ayisha AbiedUD45 Dec 2020Waitemata Rugby League Club, Auckland, New Zealand
2Win2–0Sally KaokaoTKO2 (4) 1:5913 Nov 2020 Sky City Theatre, Auckland, New Zealand
1Win1–0Wendy TalbotUD417 Oct 2020 ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand

Personal life

Motu was born and raised in the small village of Pukepoto which is outside of Kaitaia. [65] Motu a New Zealand Maori with decedents of Te Rarawa and Ngāpuhi. [23] Motu is a mother of four children, [66] with her eldest David a championship Bowler. [67] Motu was raised in the small town of Pukepoto. She moved to South Auckland when she was 10 years old. [5] Motu got pregnent with her first child at the age of 17 with her boyfriend at the time. She would eventually marry her boyfriend. She would go through bad times with her family when she was living homeless. Motu would leave her husband after years of domestic violence abuse and her husband went to prison. [5] For a short time, Motu moved to Australia where she met her new partner. This helped her turn her life around for the better. She moved back to New Zealand where she started train back in boxing. [5]

In 2024, she was forced to medically retire from Celebrity Treasure Island as her high muscle mass and lack of body fat made her susceptible to hypothermia and exposed underlying respiratory conditions after the team challenge in a cold and stormy conditions was cancelled with all results annulled. [68]

Awards

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dean Lonergan</span> New Zealand boxing promoter

Dean Robert Lonergan is a former New Zealand boxing promoter and rugby league player. With Duco founder David Higgins, Lonergan had success promoting world champion boxers Joseph Parker and Jeff Horn. With his son Liam, he promoted Jai Opetaia, Lani Daniels and Mea Motu

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shannon O'Connell</span> Australian boxer (born 1983)

Shannon O'Connell is an Australian professional boxer who has held the WBF female featherweight World title, the WIBA super-bantamweight World title and the Commonwealth female bantamweight title.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reece Papuni</span> New Zealander professional boxer

Reece Papuni is a New Zealand professional boxer. As an amateur, he reached the quarterfinals of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michelle Preston</span> New Zealand boxer

Michelle Preston is a Muay Thai Fighter and professional boxer. Preston resides in Auckland, New Zealand, where she has fought most of her professional fights. Preston has held many titles including New Zealand National Title, WBA Regional title and WBO Regional title. Preston is also a World title contender, fighting for the IBF World super flyweight title against Argentinian World Champion Débora Anahi Dionicius. Preston is also a Five time World Kickboxing Champion. Preston has fought on four King in the Ring undercards. Preston won her last World title on 17 November 2017 on the Main Undercard of King in the Ring. Preston won the vacant WBC Muaythai World Super Flyweight Champion against Fani Peloumpi by Majority decision.

John Conway is a retired professional boxer and kickboxer. Conway biggest boxing bout of his career was challenging for the WBO Asia Pacific light heavyweight title against Soulan Pownceby in June 2011. Conway has peaked at 11th on the WBO Asia Pacific Rankings. Conway started his boxing career in the amateur in 1986. If you combine his amateur, professional boxing and kickboxing fight, Conway has had 182 fights.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alrie Meleisea</span> New Zealand boxer (born 1992)

Alrie Meleisea is a New Zealand professional boxer and MMA fighter. Meleisea is a world title contender where she fought for the IBF World Heavyweight title against Lani Daniels in 2023. Meleisea lost the fight by Unanimous decision. Despite the loss, she became the first female pasifika boxer to fight for a world boxing title. Meleisea is a two time New Zealand Heavyweight Champion and a former UBF Asia Pacific heavyweight champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lani Daniels</span> New Zealand boxer

Te Arani Moana "Lani" Daniels 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. She has held the IBF female heavyweight title between May and December 2023, and the IBF Light Heavyweight title since December 2023. She is the fourth boxer of Maori descent to win a world boxing championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geovana Peres vs Lani Daniels II</span> Boxing competition

Geovana Peres vs Lani Daniels II, billed as History In The Making was a boxing rematch between Geovana Peres and Lani Daniels. It took place on 30 March 2019 at SkyCity Convention Centre in Auckland, New Zealand. Peres won the contest by Unanimous decision with two judges scoring the card 98 - 92 and one judge 96 - 94. The fight was considered to be one of the most anticipated sporting events in New Zealand as two New Zealand Boxers fighting for on major World Boxing Title. Geovana Peres is known as the first ever person from the LGBT community to win a New Zealand Professional Boxing title, holding the New Zealand National Boxing Federation and Professional Boxing Commission New Zealand Light Heavyweight Titles. Even though she is Brazilian born, Geovana is a New Zealand citizen and proudly represents New Zealand. Lani Daniels holds the New Zealand Professional Boxing Association Light Heavyweight title and Pro Box NZ Super Middleweight title. She represents her Iwi the Ngāti Hine. 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.

Ellie Scotney is an English professional boxer. As an amateur, she won the 2017 ABA Championships and competed at the 2018 World Championships. Having turned professional in 2020, Scotney is the current IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine super-bantamweight World champion.

Cherneka Johnson is a New Zealand-Australian professional boxer. Born in New Zealand, she represents Australia in international competition. She is a two-weight world champion currently holding the WBA female bantamweight World title having previously been IBF female super-bantamweight World champion.

Andrei Mikhailovich Driessen is a Russian born, New Zealand raised professional boxer. He has won multiple New Zealand national championships in two weight classes from light middleweight to middleweight. At regional level, Mikhailovich has also won the IBF Pan-Pacific and WBO Global middleweight belts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sequita Hemingway</span> New Zealand Maori boxer

Sequita Hemingway is a New Zealand professional boxer, rugby league and rugby union player. She is of Māori descent and identifies as a member of the Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāi Tūhoe iwi.

Jerome Mandela Joseph-Pampellone is an English born, New Zealand raised professional boxer. He participated in the 2019 AIBA World Boxing Championships as an amateur and won three New Zealand national elite championships between 2018 and 2020. Pampellone narrowly missed qualifying for the 2020 Summer Olympics after failing to place at the Olympic Qualification Tournament for 2020 in Asia and Oceania.

Patricia Amelia Vaka is a New Zealand professional rugby union player and professional boxer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lani Daniels vs Alrie Meleisea</span> Boxing competition

Lani Daniels vs Alrie Meleisea, billed as Next World Champion is a scheduled boxing fight between Lani Daniels and Alrie Meleisea. It will take place on 27 May 2023 at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. This fight will make history for being the first World title between two New Zealand born boxers and the first World title between Maori and Pasifika people. 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. She represents her Iwi the Ngāti Hine. 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. 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.

Christopher Bruce Martin was a New Zealand boxing manager and trainer. He trained many boxers including two of David Tua's fights in 2011, Joseph Parker's debut and first fight in Australia, Mea Motu during her amateur career, Geovana Peres for her two world title fights in 2019, Michelle Preston for her world title fight in 2012, and Daniella Smith.

Isaac Peach is a New Zealand retired professional boxer, a current boxing coach and owner of Peach Boxing. Peach trained multiple talented boxers including IBO World Champion Mea Motu, World title contender David Light, World ranked Andrei Mikhailovich and World ranked Jerome Pampellone. Peach is well known to have the philosophy in his gym to have his boxers take on any opponent. Peach Boxing Gym is considered the best boxing gym in New Zealand, rivaling the status of City Kickboxing in MMA.

References

  1. ↑ "Boxing record for Mea Motu". BoxRec .
  2. ↑ "Boxer Mea Motu claims world title". Radio New Zealand. 28 April 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  3. 1 2 Wilson, Sam (15 May 2022). "'My dream': Mea Motu's burning ambition to grace the big stage". Stuff NZ. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  4. ↑ Watt, Benjamin (13 February 2022). "Kaitaia's Mea Motu wins third boxing title and new NZ record". Northern Advocate. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Wilson, Clay (6 October 2022). "Top boxer Mea Motu fights her way back from 'darkness' to surge into spotlight". RNZ. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
  6. ↑ "Boxing NZ Champions". Boxing NZ. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  7. ↑ "West Auckland sisters boxing their way to success". AUT Te Waha Nui. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  8. ↑ "Boxing Alley fighters pursue spot in NZ amateur boxing team". Te Ao Maori. 17 September 2015. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  9. ↑ "Motu sisters box their way to success". Stuff NZ. 21 April 2016. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  10. ↑ "Motu unopposed at National Amateur Boxing competition". Te Ao Maori. 28 July 2016. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  11. ↑ "Maria Motu training at Peach Boxing". Gladrap Channel. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  12. 1 2 Watt, Benjamin (4 March 2021). "Tania Reid about to make her finale appearance with tough Mea Motu". Womens Boxing. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  13. ↑ "Fight 10: Mea Motu vs Wendy Talbot (Pro Fight) Peach Boxing ABA Stadium 17Oct20". Gladrap Channel. 18 October 2020. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  14. ↑ "Sally Kaokao is held by the referee". Photo Sport. 13 November 2020. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  15. ↑ "Friday Night Fights 1". Podis. 13 November 2020. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  16. ↑ "Fight 17: Mea Motu vs Ayisha Abied". Gladrap Channel. 5 December 2020. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  17. ↑ "David Light v Mose Auimatagi, Pampellone v Russell, Motu v Hansen, Mikhailovich v Wright". Gladrap Channel. 30 December 2020. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  18. ↑ "Mea Motu climbing boxing ranks to world title shot". Newsroom. 25 February 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  19. ↑ "Northland news in brief: Boxer to fight for national title; and pair arrested over burglary". New Zealand Herald. 12 March 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  20. ↑ "Motu wins her first national title". New Zealand Herald. 29 March 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  21. ↑ "Mea Motu celebrates victory over Toni Moki with her trainer". Photosport. 9 April 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  22. ↑ "What's next for Mea Motu?". Womens Boxing. 13 April 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  23. 1 2 "'How is she still standing?' Exciting prospect Mea Motu's tough challenge for second national title". Stuff NZ. 2 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  24. ↑ "Michaela "Hurricane" Jenkins: Gotta fight the best to be the best". Fight News. 13 August 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  25. ↑ "Joseph Parker v Alexander Flores". Stuff NZ. 15 December 2018. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  26. ↑ "Kaitaia's Mea Motu Captures Second NZ Title". Fight News NZ. 6 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  27. ↑ "Two-weight national champion Mea Motu books clash with undefeated Australian Beck Hawker for WBC title". Stuff NZ. 6 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  28. ↑ "Mea Motu: Where discipline meets determination". Fight News NZ. 31 May 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  29. ↑ "Mea Motu vs. Rangi Hetet on Dion McNabneys Young Guns 9". Women Boxing. 23 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  30. ↑ "Undefeated champion eyes third boxing belt". Radio New Zealand. 12 February 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  31. ↑ Watt, Benjamin (5 February 2022). "Mea Motu goes for New Zealand record". Women Boxing. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  32. ↑ "'I know I'm ready': Kiwi prospect Mea Motu wants world title fights after making New Zealand boxing history". Stuff NZ. 16 February 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  33. ↑ "Motu Vs Nansen to kickstart new era In NZ boxing". Fight News NZ. 4 February 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  34. ↑ "'I'm excited to showcase my talent': Mea Motu out to prove she's ready for the world's best". Stuff NZ. 27 April 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  35. ↑ "Mea Motu comes through tough test against Baby Nansen to maintain unbeaten record". Stuff NZ. 2 May 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  36. ↑ "Kaitāia's 'NightMea' Motu wins fourth national title in Auckland". New Zealand Herald. 2 May 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  37. ↑ Watt, Benjamin (1 May 2022). "Mea Motu Calls out World Champion after win". Women Boxing. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  38. ↑ "WBO world title all that matters as pay scale revealed for Lani Daniels v Geovana Peres fight". Stuff.co.nz. 29 March 2019. Retrieved 30 March 2019.
  39. ↑ "IBF May 2022 Rankings". IBF. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  40. ↑ "Step up for Northland boxer Mea Motu with first international bout on Friday". NZ Herald. 17 August 2022. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
  41. ↑ "Mea Motu hoping to make a knockout statement against first international opponent". Stuff NZ. 19 August 2022. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
  42. ↑ Watt, Benjamin (21 August 2022). "Mea Motu Dominates Thanchanok Phanan In Bout in New Zealand". Women Boxing. Retrieved 21 August 2022.
  43. ↑ "Northland boxer Mea Motu's facing toughest opponent yet". NORTHERN ADVOCATE. 20 October 2022. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
  44. ↑ "Northland boxer Mea Motu beats Thai former world champ ahead of first overseas title fight". NORTHERN ADVOCATE. 24 October 2022. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
  45. ↑ "David Light one win away from cruiserweight world title shot". StuffNZ. 24 November 2022. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
  46. ↑ "Māori power puncher Mea Motu puts Pukepoto on the map". NZ HERALD. 28 November 2022. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
  47. ↑ "WBA Rankings" (PDF). WBA. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  48. ↑ "WBC Rankings" (PDF). WBC. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  49. ↑ "Mea Motu oozing confidence for fight of her life". Stuff NZ. 26 April 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  50. ↑ "Fight For Life: Mea Motu v Tania Walters tops bill in first ever female main event". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  51. ↑ "Fight For Life 2023: Mea Motu claims IBO super bantamweight world title with win over Tania Walters". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  52. ↑ "Motu and Daniels defend world titles on big night for NZ boxing". TVNZ One News. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  53. ↑ "Boxing: Mea Motu fights through dislocated shoulder to defend world super bantamweight title". Newshub. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  54. ↑ "Kiwi world champs prepare to fight in front of northern whānau". TVNZ One news. 28 August 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  55. ↑ "Big fight night featuring Mea Motu and Lani Daniels in Whangārei sold out". NZ Herald. 7 November 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  56. ↑ "Mea Motu's opponent urges Indian expats to get behind historic world title challenge". Stuff NZ. 17 October 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  57. ↑ "Wins for Mea Motu, Lani Daniels on historic night in Whangarei". Stuff NZ. 2 December 2023. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
  58. ↑ "Top Kiwi boxers sign with powerhouse Aussie promoter". Stuff NZ. 23 February 2024. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
  59. ↑ "World champion Scotney to face Motu in October". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  60. ↑ "Injured Elie Scotney won't defend 122-pound belts vs. Mea Motu on Oct 26". Boxing Scene. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
  61. ↑ "Ellie Scotney-bound Mea Motu makes statement against Shannon O'Connell". Boxing Scene. Retrieved 4 October 2024.
  62. ↑ "'It's a golf ball' – Ebanie Bridges' ex-rival left with horrific injury and in bloody mess by undefeated foe". Talksport. Retrieved 4 October 2024.
  63. ↑ "Boxing NZ Junior Female Champions". Boxing NZ. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  64. ↑ "Boxing NZ Elite Female Champions". Boxing NZ. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  65. ↑ "International Boxing Title for Mea Motu of Pukepoto". Te Hiku. Retrieved 6 December 2022.
  66. ↑ "Boxing mum in the form of her life after eight-year comeback". One NEws. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  67. ↑ "'Mum, you're good at it, keep going': Son's words inspire Mea Motu to chase world title shot". Stuff NZ. 24 February 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  68. ↑ 2024 Celebrity Treasure Island NZ Ep. 9
  69. ↑ "2020 NEW ZEALAND BOXING AWARDS". New Zealand Fighter. Archived from the original on 7 January 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  70. ↑ "Benji's New Zealand Boxing Awards 2021". Fight News New Zealand. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  71. ↑ "2022 New Zealand Boxing Awards". Boxing Awards NZ. 10 December 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
  72. ↑ "Boxers get nominated for local indigenous awards". Womens Boxing. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
  73. ↑ "FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2023 MĀORI SPORTS AWARDS". Maori Sports Awards. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  74. ↑ "Almost 80 nominations for 61st Halberg Awards". One News. 14 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  75. ↑ "Northland's Mea Motu, Lani Daniels and Cameron Leslie nominated for Halberg Awards". NZ Herald. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  76. ↑ "Far North news in brief: Halberg nominee; Shrew being tamed and kai fund opens". NZ Herald. 18 January 2024. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.