(SEPT 2) Baby Nansen is putting
the controversial draw decision earlier this year behind by
winning her first New Zealand title on the Hemi Ahio vs Daniel
Tai undercard.
Nansen took on Quinita Hati for
the New Zealand National (PBCNZ version) super lightweight
title. The title bout was in major jeopardy as Baby Nansen was
originally booked into fighting Monica Tai who pulled out due to
injury and Quinita Hati was booked into fighting Missy Elliot
who still fought on the undercard. John Glozier who manages
Missy Elliot and is a judge/consultant for PBCNZ stated that if
Missy Elliot did not have an opponent on the night, PBCNZ will
withheld the title fight from even happening. The title fight
was 100% confirmed until 3 hour before the fight even happened.
Nansen had a difficult fight
against Hati as Quinita has the superior reach advantage. During
round 2 and 3, the venues alarm went off which distracted both
boxers. It end in a very close bout but Nansen came away with
win by Unanimous Decision, winning her first title bout in her
pro boxing career. Nansen does not have a physical title belt to
keep yet due to the expense of the title, however Nansen will be
receiving a title hopefully soon.
As for Missy Elliot, an opponent was found and confirmed 12
hours before the fight. The opponent Mellisa Huruwai, was flown
up from from Gisbourne. Surprisingly Huruwai did very well for
the amount of notice that she was given. However Missy Elliot
won the bout by Unanimous Decision, but a rematch should be on
the cards since Huruwai did so well and with more notice she
could possibly beat Elliot.
Final female bout of the night were between Trish Vaka and Lani
Daniels. Lani Daniels is very well known to be a two time New
Zealand amateur national champion in 2014 and 2015. These two
heavyweights did very well, and was certainly one of the best
fights of the night. It was another close fight, however Lani
Daniels came away with a Unanimous Decision Win. Trish Vaka will
be going for the vacant NZPBC heavyweight title next month,
against Geovana Peres. Lani Daniels will be fighting in November
against the former top 10 rated heavyweight Tongan Nailini Helu.