Nailini Helu

Last updated

Nailini Helu
BornNailini Inaise Vae Helu
(1993-11-20) 20 November 1993 (age 30)
Nukualofa, Tonga
Other namesThe Tongan Goddess
Residence Auckland, New Zealand
Nationality New Zealander
Height170 cm (5 ft 7 in)
Weight74.7 kg (165 lb; 11 st 11 lb)
DivisionHeavyweight
Light Heavyweight
Super Middleweight
Middleweight
StyleBoxing
Stance Orthodox
TrainerAloisio Helu
Lolo Heimuli
Rank6th
Years active2016-present
Professional boxing record
Total10
Wins4
By knockout0
Losses5
By knockout0
Draws1
No contests0
Other information
OccupationBoxer
Boxing record from BoxRec
Last updated on: 4 August 2023

Nailini Inaise Vae Helu (born 20 November 1993) is a professional boxer who lives in New Zealand.

Contents

Helu has won multiple amateur titles and has peaked a 4th in IBO, 5th on BoxRec in the Super Middleweight rankings and 6th in the IBF Ligh Heavyweight rankings. [1] She his a two time South Pacific Super Middleweight Champion.

Professional debut, New Zealand title shot 2016

Helu made her pro boxing debut against Kirsty Lupeamanu for the promotion's own Inaugural Royal Rampage heavyweight title. [2] The title was originally for the super middleweight title, however both boxers failed to make weight, so the title was upgraded to a heavyweight bout despite that the belt itself was pre-engraved for the super middleweight division. Lupeamanu was also originally scheduled to face Michelle Montague; however Montague stepped down due to focusing on amateur MMA fights instead and Helu stepped up. [3] Helu won all rounds of the bout on all judges' scorecards for a dominant win. The bout, which was in 2016, also made history by being the first bout to have New Zealand's first female boxing referee, Shelley Ashton. [4] This fight was on the WBC female middleweight title Kali Reis vs. Maricela Cornejo undercard. Parts of this bout was televised on the TVNZ show Fresh TV. [5] Helu next pro fight was against Sarah Long. [6] Long was making her pro boxing debut, however she has had 6 kickboxing bouts (3 wins 3 losses) and 1 win in Corporate boxing. [7] Helu knocked Long down in the first round for the first first round knock-down in Helu's career. Helu won all rounds, again dominating her opponent. Shortly after the fight, it was announced that this bout was for the mandatory challenging position for the New Zealand (NZPBA version) title. [8]

On 21 July, it was announced that Helu would face Agne Davis for the New Zealand (NZPBA version) & UBF Asia Pacific heavyweight titles on 24 September at ABA Stadium. [9] Ange Davis making her pro boxing debut have fought in 10 kickboxing bouts (5 wins 4 losses 1 draw) and has held the TBANZ Women's middleweight title. [10] The bout was in jeopardy where Davis suffered an ankle injury; however after scans, the doctors were confident that Davis was medically cleared to fight. [11] Helu was favored to win the bout and was likely to receive a world title shot within the next year if she kept up her winning streak. [12] The bout itself was close throughout the fight; however the fight of the night ended by a split decision win to Helu. [13] After the bout, there was a massive backlash all across social media with people thinking Davis won the bout. The backlash got so bad that people were sending abuse to Helu, the promoter, and even to the judges themselves. On 26 September, Ange Davis and her team launched an appeal with NZPBA, due to poor judging. [14] On 6 October, NZPBA announced that the panel looked into the scorecards of the judges and found that one of the judges incorrectly added up their card. They originally were 58/56 in favour of Helu, however when calculating the card it was indeed supposed to be 57/57, a draw, making this decision a split decision draw. The judge that made this error was stood down and regulations on all NZ title bouts have been changed. The decision of the bout was overturned to a draw, Helu had two belts to be stripped and the two were required to have a rematch with 6 months of their bout (expiring 24 March 2017) or face risk of losing their mandatory positions. [15] On 26 December, Māori Television televised this fight on the combat show called Whawhai Fight Night. [16] Helu was originally scheduled to fight Victoria Nansen on 8 October 2016. [17] However, due to the backlash after the Helu vs Davis bout, there was a big toll on Helu's mental health and she was unable to take part in the bout let alone train. [18] Kirsty Lupeamanu took on the fight on a week's notice and won by majority decision. [19]

Helu was originally scheduled to take on Cheyenne Whaanga for the New Zealand (NZPBA version) light heavyweight Title; [20] however due to Whaanga receiving an injury during training, Meleisea was not able to take part. Alrie Meleisea took the fight on less than a week notice. Meleisea won the bout by a massive upset split decision. [21]

Losing streak to the best 2017-2018

In January 2017, it was announced that Helu would have a rematch against Alrie Meleisea in March 2017 at ABA Stadium for the vacant NZPBA and UBF Asia Pacific heavyweight titles. Planning the bout was difficult for the promoter, due to the rematch clause in the Helu vs Ange Davis appeal. During training, Davis suffered a serious shoulder injury that would bring her away from the ring passed the 6 month expiry rematch clause day of 24 March. Due to this, Helu and Meleisea were allowed to fight for the vacant titles, with the winner to face Davis when she was fully healed. [22] Helu lost the bout by a controversial split decision. [23] Helu faced Brazil born Geovana Peres at ABA Stadium on 21 April for the NZNBF version of the New Zealand National Title. This will Helu's third New Zealand title shot of her career. [24] Peres won the bout by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring 79-73 and becoming the first ever LGBT person to hold a New Zealand Professional Boxing Title. [25] After being away from the ring for 64 weeks, Nailini Helu returned to professional boxing against Lani Daniels on 14 July 2018 at Auckland Netball Centre in St Johns, Auckland, New Zealand. It was announced on 6 June that the bout between the two will happen with Lani Daniels New Zealand National (NZPBA Version) Light Heavyweight title will be on the line. [26] The two have fought before back in the amateurs multiple times. Daniels won the bout by unanimous decision.

Comeback 2022 - 2024

On 26 August 2022, Helu made her return to the ring after being away from the ring for four years. Helu took on Amateur New Zealand champion Tinta Smith for the PBCNZ South Pacific Super Middleweight title. [27] In August 2023, Helu took on Desley Robinson for the WBA Oceania Middleweight title. It was a close fight with Robinson winning by split decision. [28] Helu won the fight by majority decision, making this her first official title in her career. She would reclaim the title in a rematch with Helu winning in August 2024 by Split Decision. [1] As a result, she would receive her first world rankings, being ranked 6th in the IBF in the Light Heavyweight division.

Personal life

Helu trains at Pridelands boxing gym which is based in Ōtara. [29] The gym is a community based gym that is free for everyone to use. Helu uncle Aloisio Helu, runs the gym. Helu is the older sister to Light Heavyweight boxer Panuve Helu, which is common for them to spar and train together. [30]

Amateur boxing titles

Professional boxing titles

Professional boxing record

10 fights4 wins5 losses
By knockout00
By decision45
Draws1

[36]

No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
10Win4–5–1 Flag of New Zealand.svg Tinta SmithSD817 August 2024 Flag of New Zealand.svg Te Rapa Racecourse, Hamilton, New ZealandWon vacant PBCNZ South Pacific super middleweight title
9Loss3–5–1 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Desley RobinsonMD84 August 2023 Flag of New Zealand.svg ABA Stadium, Auckland, New ZealandLost Vacant WBA Oceania middleweight title
8Win3–4–1 Flag of New Zealand.svg Tinta SmithMD826 August 2022 Flag of New Zealand.svg ABA Stadium, Auckland, New ZealandWon vacant South Pacific (PBCNZ Version) super middleweight title
7Lose2–4–1 Flag of New Zealand.svg Lani Daniels UD814 July 2018 Flag of New Zealand.svg Auckland Netball Centre, St John, Auckland, New ZealandFor New Zealand (NZPBA Version) light heavyweight title
6Lose2–3–1 Flag of Brazil.svg Flag of New Zealand.svg Geovana Peres UD821 April 2017 Flag of New Zealand.svg ABA Stadium, Auckland, New ZealandFor vacant New Zealand (NZNBF Version) light heavyweight title
5Lose2–2–1 Flag of New Zealand.svg Alrie Meleisea SD610 March 2017 Flag of New Zealand.svg ABA Stadium, Auckland, New ZealandFor vacant New Zealand (NZPBA Version) and UBF Asia Pacific heavyweight titles
4Lose2–1–1 Flag of New Zealand.svg Alrie Meleisea [37] SD328 October 2016 Flag of New Zealand.svg ASB Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
3Draw2–0–1 Flag of New Zealand.svg Ange Davis [38] SD624 September 2016 Flag of New Zealand.svg ABA Stadium, Auckland, New ZealandFor vacant New Zealand (NZPBA Version) and UBF Asia Pacific heavyweight titles
Original result went to Helu by SD, however due to an appeal the result was changed to a draw [39]
2Win2–0 Flag of New Zealand.svg Sarah Long UD418 June 2016 Flag of New Zealand.svg Weymouth Cosmopolitan Club, Manukau, New Zealand
1Win1–0 Flag of New Zealand.svg Kirsty Lupeamanu [40] UD416 April 2016 Flag of New Zealand.svg The Trusts Arena, Auckland, New Zealand Won inaugural Royal Rampage heavyweight title

Related Research Articles

Shane Aaron Cameron is a New Zealand professional boxer. He is a former Commonwealth cruiserweight champion, having also held several regional titles at heavyweight. As an amateur he won a bronze medal in the heavyweight division at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Outside of boxing, he placed fifth in the 2015 series of Dancing With the Stars New Zealand.

Lance Revill is the former president of the New Zealand Professional Boxing Association (NZPBA), a New Zealand boxing promoter, referee, and a former New Zealand professional boxer. Revill compiled a professional record of 21 wins and 13 losses, with 13 knockouts, in light heavyweight bouts fought in New Zealand and Australia between 1974 and 1990.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Light (boxer)</span> New Zealand amateur boxer

David Light is a New Zealand professional boxer. As an amateur, he competed in the men's heavyweight division at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow where he won the silver medal against Canada's Samir El-Mais. Professionally, Light is a former WBO World Crusierweight title contender, where he fought Lawrence Okolie in March 2023.

Daniella Smith is a New Zealand former professional boxer. She became the first female fighter to win an IBF title, having held the welterweight version from 2010 to 2011, and is the third New Zealand-born person to win a boxing world title, after Torpedo Bill Murphy (1890) and Joseph Parker in 2016 with World Boxing Organisation. Smith is also ranked pound-for-pound number one in New Zealand of all time in the Women's division.

Gunnar Jackson is a New Zealand professional boxer. At regional level he held the NZPBA super middleweight title from 2012 to 2013; the NZPBA middleweight title in 2013; and the WBO Oriental middleweight title twice between 2013 and 2015.

<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.

Sam Rapira is a New Zealand boxing promoter and professional boxer.

Uaine Fa Junior is a New Zealand former professional boxer. As an amateur he represented Tonga at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, winning a bronze medal in the super-heavyweight division; he also represented Tonga at the Oceania Championships, winning gold and multiple silver medals. His knockout-to-win percentage stood at 53%.

Professional boxing in New Zealand refers to the sport of boxing held in New Zealand at a professional level.

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.

Birthony Katarina Nansen, better known as Baby Nansen, is a New Zealand professional boxer and kickboxer. Nansen's biggest fight of her career was against Melissa St. Vil for the vacant WBC Silver female super featherweight title on the Kali Reis vs. Maricela Cornejo undercard. Despite losing the bout, she fought very well and received a WBC ranking of 39th. Nansen has fought on a King in the Ring undercard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Zealand Professional Boxing Association</span>

New Zealand Professional Boxing Association (NZPBA) is one of the four governing bodies for the sport of professional boxing in New Zealand. NZPBA is a non-profit organisation.

<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.

Herman Ene-Purcell also known as "The Herminator" is an Australian professional boxer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geovana Peres</span> New Zealand boxer

Geovana De Cassia Peres is a Brazilian-born New Zealand professional Muay Thai fighter and former professional boxer who competed from 2017 to 2019. She became the first female light-heavyweight world champion, having held the WBO female title from 2019 until her retirement in January 2021.

<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.

Sarah Long is a New Zealand professional boxer and kickboxer. She is the current NZPBA New Zealand national heavyweight champion. She has peaked in the world rankings when she ranked 10th in the World Boxing Council and 4th on BoxRec.

<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.

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

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. 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.

References

  1. 1 2 "Tongan boxer receives world rankings for first time in eight-year professional career". WBAN. 9 November 2024.{{cite news}}: Text "https://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2024/news110924new-zealand-news.htm" ignored (help)
  2. ↑ "Uaine Fa and Nailini Helu winning start at Royal Rampage". Matangi Tonga Online. 18 April 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  3. ↑ "Lisa Lewis prepares for the boxing ring". Stuff.co.nz. 10 April 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  4. ↑ "Ashton bucks the boxing trend by becoming first female to ref professional bout". Manawatu Standard. 18 April 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  5. ↑ "Royal Rampage 2016 on Fresh". Fresh TV Youtube. 12 June 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  6. ↑ "Tongan Born New Zealander Nailini Helu wins second Professional boxing bout". NZ Fighter. 19 June 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  7. ↑ "Girls Fight Night Out in Manurewa". Scoop. 7 October 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  8. ↑ "Breaking News: Nailini Helu Number 1 Contender". NZ fighter. 20 June 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  9. ↑ "BTW Announces NZ Title". Boxing News 24. 21 July 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  10. ↑ "Less than a week to go till BTW Fight Night". Scoop. 9 September 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  11. ↑ "Kickboxing Champ Ange Davis excited to fight NZ#1 Nailini Helu in Pro Boxing Debut". Gladrap Youtube. 23 September 2016. Retrieved 15 January 2017.
  12. ↑ "Tongan Born New Zealander Wins Second Professional Bout". TNews. 20 June 2016. Retrieved 15 January 2017.
  13. ↑ "Nailini Helu splits Ange Davis amidst bribery accusations". WBN. 26 September 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  14. ↑ "Ange Davis to appeal decision". Scoop. 26 September 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  15. ↑ "Nailini Helu v Ange Davis result altered to a draw on appeal". WBN. 6 October 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  16. ↑ "Whawhai Fight Night, Series 1 Episode 16". Whawhai Fight Night. 26 December 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  17. ↑ "Nailini Helu Wins first major titles". Scoop. 26 September 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  18. ↑ "Girls Fight Night Out in Manurewa". Women Boxing. 7 October 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  19. ↑ "Results: Women gets their first win in New Zealand". Women Boxing. 8 October 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  20. ↑ "Robert Berridge v Adrian Taihia card swells for Oct 28". WBN. 12 October 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  21. ↑ "Alrie Meleisea Debuts with Upset of Unbeaten Nailini Helu". Women of Boxing. 29 October 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  22. ↑ "New Zealand: Meleisea vs Helu II confirmed". WBAN. 24 January 2016. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
  23. ↑ "Repeat on Women's Heavyweight bout". New Zealand Fighter. 11 March 2017. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
  24. ↑ "Nailini Helu gets a chance for New Zealand title". Womens Boxing News. 21 March 2017. Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  25. ↑ "First ever LGBT New Zealand Champion". Womens Boxing News. 21 April 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  26. ↑ "Nailini Helu v Lani Daniels tops South Auckland on July 14". World Boxing News. 6 June 2018. Retrieved 11 June 2018.
  27. ↑ "Tongan Kiwi retains title against Waikato boxer". Sun Live. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
  28. ↑ "Desley Robinson is the new WBA Oceania bantamweight champion". WBA. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
  29. ↑ "Prideland Boxing/Fitness". Facebook. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  30. ↑ "Interview with NZ#1 Heavyweight Nailini Helu aka "Tongan Goddess"". Gladrap Youtube. 23 September 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  31. ↑ "Boxing New Zealand National Championships 2015 Updates". Boxing NZ. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  32. ↑ "NZ Nationals 2014 Results - Youth / Elite Finals". Boxing NZ. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  33. ↑ "Nationals Elite session two". Boxing NZ. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  34. ↑ "New Zealand Amateur Champions Female Light Heavyweight". Boxing NZ. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  35. ↑ "New Zealand Amateur Champions Female Light Heavyweight". Awakening Fighters. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  36. ↑ "Nailini Helu". Boxrec. Retrieved 23 October 2016.
  37. ↑ "Nailini Helu vs Alrie Meleisea - CTP's Judgement Day @ ASB Stadium, Auckland". Gladrap Youtube. 28 October 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  38. ↑ "Fight of the Night - NZ#1 Nailini "Tongan Goddess" Helu vs Ange Davis - ABA Stadium". Gladrap Youtube. 27 September 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  39. ↑ "Helu loses win after appeal". Matangi Tonga Online. 7 October 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  40. ↑ "Nailini Helu "Tongan Goddess" vs. Kirsty Lupeamanu 'Samoan Sniper' - Royal Rampage 2016". Gladrap Youtube. 16 April 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
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.