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Nailini Helu Wins first major titles

Nailini Helu Wins first major titles

Tongan born New Zealander Nailini Helu, won a massive bout last night in Auckland, New Zealand, winning the NZPBA and UBF Asia Pacific Women’s heavyweight titles. Helu won the bout against Ange Davis by Split Decision.

The bout itself was extremely close throughout the entire fight and was described as a very well match fight. Despite a very impressive performance, Ange Davis trainer and manager Terry Tuteru from S.A.L.T was screaming abuse as they left the venue to the Judges and the promoter. According the Tuteru, he believes that the judges was bribed to make Nailini Helu win, especially since Helu was hyped up allot through marketing. Tuteru will promoting a boxing event on October 8th with Helu going up against Victoria Nansen, however with Tuteru a bit sour from the decision of Helu vs Davis bout, Helu vs Nansen is now in jeopardy.

Now that Nailini has two major professional titles under her belt and is still undefeated, Nailini only has two more bout scheduled this and is just a couple of steps closer to becoming world champion.

Also on the card was Nick Hikuroa winning against Debutant Zane McNab. Despite losing the bout, McNab won the first round of the bout. However during the second round, Hikuroa threw an impressive body shot, resulting in McNab getting cracked ribs which end the bout by TKO in the second round. Hikuroa showed incredible sportsmanship, helping McNab back to his corner. Immediately after the bout, Hikuroa took the the mic and called out NZPBA and WBU World Champion Anthony Taylor.

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Anthony Taylor older brother Jonathan Taylor was featured on the undercard. Jonathan Taylor show an impressive performance on the night, winning the bout by TKO against Kendall Cooper. “I was initially thinking too much weights, not enough speed work, so I provoked him.. but then I got caught. Ended up being an early night. He didn't need speed when he had straight power” said Cooper. Due to this win, Jonathan Taylor will now go up against Jordan Tai on November 12th for the Vacant NZPBA and IBO Oceania Super Middleweight title on Andrew Higgins Big Bash. Kendall Cooper will also be on the undercard of that bout, going up against Joshua Tai.

Cheyenne Whaanga made her pro debut on the night against Sarah Long. Whaanga showed an impressive performance, winning by Unanimous decision, winning all the rounds of the bout. Whaanga trainer, the first ever IBF Women’s World Champion Daniella Smith, was very impress with her boxers performance. Whaanga will be next in the ring against Nailini Helu on October 28th for Helu’s NZPBA title, which she just won. Sarah Long will be next in the ring on October 8th against Kirsty Lupeamanu under Terry Tuteru Fight Night.

The opening pro bout of the night was Craig Thomson vs Samoan Peter Tovi’o. Craig Thomson who just recently had his second baby a few days ago, show an impressive performance, winning the bout by TKO in the second round.

Overall the Fight Night turned out really good with a pack out noisy crowd. “I am very happy how the event turned out in the end, especially being my first event. I probably won't promote another fight again for another couple of year” Said Promoter Benjamin Watt. “It is time for me to spend time with family and friends and continue to fight my battle with cancer”.


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