(JULY 1) Boxing has once again arrived in New Zealand on PPV, with the female boxers being the most talked about fights on Sunday’s boxing show at the Due Drop Events Centre, Manakau, Auckland.

One of the most talked-about fights on the night was the Papua New Guinea-born Waikato boxer Sheilla Yama, who now represents New Zealand. Yama took on an undefeated Australian boxer who was ranked top 20 in the world, Louise Creaven.

The commentators on the night were extremely impressed by Yama's speed, her defence and overall boxing ability as Yama dominated the entire fight. At one point, Yama knocked down Creaven with a body shot. It was so intense that Creaven was screaming in pain, but giving credit to the Australian, Creaven showed heart and got up.

The fight was for the International (PBCNZ version) Super Lightweight title. Yama won the fight clearly, winning her first-ever professional boxing title, dominating every round.

Other Māori results on the night, Emma Nesbitt (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kahu) defended her International (PBCNZ version) Light Flyweight title against Australian Bec Moss. This was not an easy fight for Nesbitt, as Moss was a difficult opponent. Moss consistently held aggression throughout the fight, pushing Nesbitt onto the outer side of the ring. Nesbitt kept landing effective shots, giving her the advantage, which led to her winning by majority decision.

Nesbitt is now ranked 15th on Boxrec and is expected to have a climb in the IBF and WBA women's boxing rankings.

Other female fights on the night include Sarah Linton taking on Nyrene Crowley, and in Semi Pro, Anna Collie taking on Mia Evans. Linton won the fight against Crowley, winning almost every round, which is considered an upset. Mia Evans won the fight against Anna Collie by unanimous decision.

In the main event of the night, Francis Waitai (Ngāti Tamaterā) defended his IBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title against the undefeated Michael Helg (Ngāpuhi, Tainui) at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau. Helg is a tough power puncher; however, Waitai throughout the fight was slick, using his height and reach advantage.

Helg have never gone 10 rounds in his professional boxing career. This was evident in the fight as the longer the fight went, the more tired Helg got. However, Waitai is comfortable with these much longer fights. He was well prepared and extremely fit. Waitai almost won every round, walked away with the unanimous decision win as he dedicated his win to his late father, who passed away.

After the fight, both Waitai, Helg and their fighters' corners embraced with a hongi, showing mutual respect for one another. This is one history-making moment, as there has never been a PPV that has had an all-Māori main event.

The fights can still be seen on PPV with CSN.Watch until 6 Jul 2025.

WBAN / IWBHF
WBAN Instagram
WBAN Facebook

WBAN / IWBHF WEBSITES
www.womensboxing.org
www.wbanmember.com
www.floridaboxing.com
www.iwbhf.com
WBAN's Group Facebook