(JULY 6) New Zealand's Mea Motu continued her rise up the boxing ranks over the weekend after capturing her second domestic title. The Isaac Peach-trained fighter earned a unanimous decision win over Christchurch's Michaela Jenkins on Saturday night at Auckland's ABA Stadium to claim the NZPBC super lightweight belt.

Motu, who is also the NZPBA lightweight champion, and Jenkins had previously fought in May, a bout which Motu also won via unanimous decision. However, Saturday's encounter proved to be a different affair than the first meeting, with both fighters acknowledging each other's strengths and doing their best to control the fight on their own terms.

Motu, fighting four divisions above her natural weight class of super bantamweight, looked to avoid being worn down in the clinch by Jenkin's superior height and weight advantage. At the same time, having previously sampled Motu's impressive punching power, Jenkins was careful not to be on the receiving end of any thundering shots in the opening exchanges from "The Nightmea."

The high-stakes battle played out over the full eight rounds, with Motu landing the cleaner and more effective shots throughout the night.

"I just wanted to change it up; that's what we were working on, using our angles because we knew she was going to keep charging, Motu said pos-fight.

"So we wanted to change it up, and push back, change angle, and then slowly creep in. It shows that I have a different variety; I am not just one way. I can change it up, I can mix it up, and I am definitely tough, and I am definitely strong because I am fighting someone who is a lot bigger than me. I came in a lot smaller, so it was really good."

Motu, whose record now stands at 9-0 4KO, was full of praise for Jenkins — a kickboxing and Muay Thai champion in her own right.

"I give her so much respect because she is tough, she can take a hit, and she just keeps coming even if it is hurting. She just keeps pushing through, and it was good. I enjoyed it, and she definitely brought what I expected, but I just got the better of her at the end."

The 31-year-old now has her sights set on a September 17 date with undefeated Australian featherweight champion Rebecca Hawker. The pair will compete in Auckland on the next Peach Boxing show for the vacant WBC Australasian female super bantamweight title.

"I am excited; that is definitely going to show where I am really at when I am fighting at my weight division because I haven't fought anyone in my weight division.

"I am constantly fighting people bigger than me because there is just no one to fight. I can't be fussy because otherwise, I won't fight, so I just take what I get, and now Isaac's found someone, and I just can't wait."

The WBC is one of the most respected sanctioning bodies in boxing, and September's winner will be one step closer to a world title fight. After only turning pro last October, Motu is already establishing herself as one of New Zealand boxing's fastest rising stars.

Social Media
Women Boxing Archive Network
Instagram: @wbanbuzz
Twitter: @wbanbuzz
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/womensboxing/

 #          #           #          #

More Information on WBAN, go to our affiliated websites!
www.womensboxing.org
www.womenboxingrecords.com
www.wban2012.com
www.wbanmember.com
www.floridaboxing.com
www.iwbhf.com
www.wban.tv
WBAN's Group Facebook