(MAY 13) Hamilton Maori boxer Tinta Smith has finally won the historical belt, becoming the first-ever women's New Zealand Cruiserweight champion.

On March 16, Tinta Smith fought Trish Vaka for the first-ever New Zealand national (PBCNZ version) Cruiserweight title, which ended in a draw. After the fight, the gym tried to claim Tinta and Trish as double champions; however, in professional boxing, you need a clear winner to become champion, not a winner by a draw.

On the 11th of May, Tinta Smith attempted again, but this time against New Zealand national (Pro Box version) Heavyweight champion Sequita Hemingway. Hemingway (Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāi Tūhoe) is a former professional rugby player who played with Manawatu Cyclones in the Farah Palmer Cup.

This fight was again for the vacant New Zealand national (PBCNZ version) Cruiserweight title, with Smith wanting to win her first professional title and Hemingway wanting to become a two-division champion.

The fight itself was very entertaining, showing that styles make fights, with this fight being very stylish.

Sequita, being the taller and heavier puncher, gave Tinta some trouble. Sequita is known to be getting better each time she fights, and it really showed in this fight. She landed hard, her shots were accurate, and you can see the damage on Tinta Smith and how hard they were landing.

Tinta was fast, skilled, and had a high punch output. With her amateur experience and boxing skills, she attempted to outbox Sequita.

After eight rounds of boxing, the judges scored the fight a split decision, with one judge scoring for Hemingway and two judges scoring for Smith. Tinta Smith won. The fight was very close, and some saw it as a controversial decision.

What is next? It is unknown at this point; however, there are some options for Tinta, with three fights that are interested in taking on Tinta, including a rematch with Trish Vaka, Alrie Meleisea, who is looking to return after a pregnancy hiatus, and a rematch with Nailini Helu.

Hypothetically, if Tinta Smith fought and won against all these boxers, she could be in the position to fight for an international or even a world title. One fight that could be a rematch is the IBF World Light Heavyweight Champion Lani Daniels. The future is looking bright for the Waikato Maori boxer Tinta Smith.

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