(FEB 16) Lani Daniels vs Nailini Helu for the IBF World Light Heavyweight title will now be contested on the 10th of May at Taupō Events Centre (TEC).

Originally the fight was scheduled for April, however, the promoter of Ironfist Promotions Nigel Elliott was informed that the venue was under construction and would not be ready for the 5th of April date. Elliott has also reassured us that the recent floods in the Central North Island region that happened on February 7th would not postpone the event further.

Due to the new dates, tickets will be on sale at Eventfinda in March. The event will be streaming live on YouTube under the Ironfist Promotions account.

With a new date comes new opportunities as the event will now have five professional boxing bouts instead of the initial four scheduled. More details of the undercard will be released next month. Of course, the fan's favourite tag team is kickboxing with a possible 4 man kickboxing tournament. Corporate and amateur boxing will also be added to the undercard.

As for the main event, this comes as a blessing in disguise as it gives more time for both Nailini Helu and Lani Daniels extra time to prepare. But it can also be a problem if they over-train too.

A traditional training camp, especially for a world title fight would be around 12 weeks. Anymore can run the risk of overtraining and burnout which would result in poor performance on the night. However, both camps are incredibly experienced and will know the risks.

The two boxers have fought each other before back in 2018 with Lani Daniels successfully defending her New Zealand (NZPBA version) Light Heavyweight title. Fortunately, the fight is free on YouTube with the Gladrap channel, which provides a nice preview for everyone leading into May 10th. Link

However, this fight is a very different fight compared to 2018. Lani Daniels is now a two-division World champion. Nailini Helu is back with her old trainer she trained with in her amateur career, the legendary master Lolo Heimuli.

Heimuli also trained Lani Daniels trainer John Conway who won the Muay Thai World title and has fought in 110 fights across amateur boxing, professional boxing and kickboxing.

With the context of whats different for these boxers, this could be a very entertaining fight.

May 10th at Taupo Events Centre

IBF World Light Heavyweight title 10x2 minute rounds
New Zealand/Maori Lani Daniels vs New Zealand/Tongan Nailini Helu

Super Lightweight 5x2 minute rounds
Putaruru Jadene Treadaway v Palmerston North Tania Barnett


Crusierweight 4x3 minute rounds
Taupos Cole Campbell vs Hamilton Herewaka Katipa

The rest of the undercard will be released next month.

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