Nailini Helu
BornNailini Inaise Vae Helu
(1993-11-20) 20 November 1993
Nukualofa, Tonga
Other namesThe Tongan Goddess
ResidenceAuckland, New Zealand
NationalityNew Zealander
Height170 cm (5 ft 7 in)
Weight74.7 kg (165 lb; 11 st 11 lb)
DivisionHeavyweight
Light Heavyweight
Super Middleweight
Middleweight
StyleBoxing
StanceOrthodox
TrainerAloisio Helu
Lolo Heimuli
Rank9th
Years active2016-present
Professional boxing record
Total9
Wins3
By knockout0
Losses5
By knockout0
Draws1
No contests0
Other information
OccupationBoxer
Boxing record from BoxRec
Last updated on: 4 August 2023

Nailini Inaise Vae Helu (born 20 November 1993) is a professional boxer who lives in New Zealand.

Helu has won multiple amateur titles and has peaked at 6th on BoxRec, 6th in the WIBA, top 2 in the WBA Oceania, and 10th in the WBC, in the female professional boxing rankings.

Professional debut, controversy national title fight and first loss 2016

Helu made her pro boxing debut against Kirsty Lupeamanu for the promotion's own Inaugural Royal Rampage heavyweight title.[1] The title was originally for the super middleweight title, however both boxers failed to make weight, so the title was upgraded to a heavyweight bout despite that the belt itself was pre-engraved for the super middleweight division. Lupeamanu was also originally scheduled to face Michelle Montague; however Montague stepped down due to focusing on amateur MMA fights instead and Helu stepped up.[2] Helu won all rounds of the bout on all judges' scorecards for a dominant win. The bout, which was in 2016, also made history by being the first bout to have New Zealand's first female boxing referee, Shelley Ashton.[3] This fight was on the WBC female middleweight title Kali Reis vs. Maricela Cornejo undercard. Parts of this bout was televised on the TVNZ show Fresh TV.[4] Helu next pro fight was against Sarah Long.[5] Long was making her pro boxing debut, however she has had 6 kickboxing bouts (3 wins 3 losses) and 1 win in Corporate boxing.[6] Helu knocked Long down in the first round for the first first round knock-down in Helu's career. Helu won all rounds, again dominating her opponent. Shortly after the fight, it was announced that this bout was for the mandatory challenging position for the New Zealand (NZPBA version) title.[7]

On 21 July, it was announced that Helu would face Agne Davis for the New Zealand (NZPBA version) & UBF Asia Pacific heavyweight titles on 24 September at ABA Stadium.[8] Ange Davis making her pro boxing debut have fought in 10 kickboxing bouts (5 wins 4 losses 1 draw) and has held the TBANZ Women's middleweight title.[9] The bout was in jeopardy where Davis suffered an ankle injury; however after scans, the doctors were confident that Davis was medically cleared to fight.[10] Helu was favored to win the bout and was likely to receive a world title shot within the next year if she kept up her winning streak.[11] The bout itself was close throughout the fight; however the fight of the night ended by a split decision win to Helu.[12] After the bout, there was a massive backlash all across social media with people thinking Davis won the bout. The backlash got so bad that people were sending abuse to Helu, the promoter, and even to the judges themselves. On 26 September, Ange Davis and her team launched an appeal with NZPBA, due to poor judging.[13] On 6 October, NZPBA announced that the panel looked into the scorecards of the judges and found that one of the judges incorrectly added up their card. They originally were 58/56 in favour of Helu, however when calculating the card it was indeed supposed to be 57/57, a draw, making this decision a split decision draw. The judge that made this error was stood down and regulations on all NZ title bouts have been changed. The decision of the bout was overturned to a draw, Helu had two belts to be stripped and the two were required to have a rematch with 6 months of their bout (expiring 24 March 2017) or face risk of losing their mandatory positions.[14] On 26 December, Māori Television televised this fight on the combat show called Whawhai Fight Night.[15] Helu was originally scheduled to fight Victoria Nansen on 8 October 2016.[16] However, due to the backlash after the Helu vs Davis bout, there was a big toll on Helu's mental health and she was unable to take part in the bout let alone train.[17] Kirsty Lupeamanu took on the fight on a week's notice and won by majority decision.[18]

Helu was originally scheduled to take on Cheyenne Whaanga for the New Zealand (NZPBA version) light heavyweight Title;[19] however due to Whaanga receiving an injury during training, Meleisea was not able to take part. Alrie Meleisea took the fight on less than a week notice. Meleisea won the bout by a massive upset split decision.[20]

Losing streak to the best 2017-2018

In January 2017, it was announced that Helu would have a rematch against Alrie Meleisea in March 2017 at ABA Stadium for the vacant NZPBA and UBF Asia Pacific heavyweight titles. Planning the bout was difficult for the promoter, due to the rematch clause in the Helu vs Ange Davis appeal. During training, Davis suffered a serious shoulder injury that would bring her away from the ring passed the 6 month expiry rematch clause day of 24 March. Due to this, Helu and Meleisea were allowed to fight for the vacant titles, with the winner to face Davis when she was fully healed.[21] Helu lost the bout by a controversial split decision.[22] Helu faced Brazil born Geovana Peres at ABA Stadium on 21 April for the NZNBF version of the New Zealand National Title. This will Helu's third New Zealand title shot of her career.[23] Peres won the bout by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring 79-73 and becoming the first ever LGBT person to hold a New Zealand Professional Boxing Title.[24] After being away from the ring for 64 weeks, Nailini Helu returned to professional boxing against Lani Daniels on 14 July 2018 at Auckland Netball Centre in St Johns, Auckland, New Zealand. It was announced on 6 June that the bout between the two will happen with Lani Daniels New Zealand National (NZPBA Version) Light Heavyweight title will be on the line.[25] The two have fought before back in the amateurs multiple times. Daniels won the bout by unanimous decision.

Comeback 2022

On 26 August 2022, Helu made her return to the ring after being away from the ring for four years. Helu took on Amateur New Zealand champion Tinta Smith for the PBCNZ South Pacific Super Flyweight title. Helu won the fight by majority decision, making this her first official title in her career.

Personal life

Helu trains at Pridelands boxing gym which is based in Ōtara.[26] The gym is a community based gym that is free for everyone to use. Helu uncle Aloisio Helu, runs the gym. Helu is the older sister to Light Heavyweight boxer Panuve Helu, which is common for them to spar and train together.[27]

Amateur boxing titles

  • Gold 2015 New Zealand Golden Gloves Championship Heavyweight
  • Gold 2015 New Zealand National Championship Heavyweight[28]
  • Gold 2014 New Zealand National Championship Heavyweight[29]
  • Silver 2014 New Zealand North Island Golden Gloves Championship Heavyweight
  • Bronze 2013 New Zealand National Championship Light Heavyweight[30]
  • Silver New Zealand North Island Golden Gloves Championship Heavyweight
  • Gold 2012 New Zealand National Championship Light Heavyweight[31]

Professional boxing titles

  • Boxing Promotions titles
    • Inaugural Royal Rampage Heavyweight Title (172¾Ibs)[32]
  • New Zealand Professional Boxing Commission
    • South Pacific Super Middleweight title (164Ibs)

Professional boxing record

9 fights 3 wins 5 losses
By knockout 0 0
By decision 3 5
Draws 1

[33]

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
9 Loss 3–5–1 Australia Desley Robinson MD 8 4 August 2022 New Zealand ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand Lost Vacant WBA Oceania middleweight title
8 Win 3–4–1 New Zealand Tinta Smith MD 8 26 August 2022 New Zealand ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand Won vacant South Pacific (PBCNZ Version) super middleweight title
7 Lose 2–4–1 New Zealand Lani Daniels UD 8 14 July 2018 New Zealand Auckland Netball Centre, St John, Auckland, New Zealand For New Zealand (NZPBA Version) light heavyweight title
6 Lose 2–3–1 BrazilNew Zealand Geovana Peres UD 8 21 April 2017 New Zealand ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand For vacant New Zealand (NZNBF Version) light heavyweight title
5 Lose 2–2–1 New Zealand Alrie Meleisea SD 6 10 March 2017 New Zealand ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand For vacant New Zealand (NZPBA Version) and UBF Asia Pacific heavyweight titles
4 Lose 2–1–1 New Zealand Alrie Meleisea[34] SD 3 28 October 2016 New Zealand ASB Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
3 Draw 2–0–1 New Zealand Ange Davis[35] SD 6 24 September 2016 New Zealand ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand For vacant New Zealand (NZPBA Version) and UBF Asia Pacific heavyweight titles
Original result went to Helu by SD, however due to an appeal the result was changed to a draw[36]
2 Win 2–0 New Zealand Sarah Long UD 4 18 June 2016 New Zealand Weymouth Cosmopolitan Club, Manukau, New Zealand
1 Win 1–0 New Zealand Kirsty Lupeamanu[37] UD 4 16 April 2016 New Zealand The Trusts Arena, Auckland, New Zealand Won inaugural Royal Rampage heavyweight title

References

  1. ↑ "Uaine Fa and Nailini Helu winning start at Royal Rampage". Matangi Tonga Online. 18 April 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  2. ↑ "Lisa Lewis prepares for the boxing ring". Stuff.co.nz. 10 April 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  3. ↑ "Ashton bucks the boxing trend by becoming first female to ref professional bout". Manawatu Standard. 18 April 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  4. ↑ "Royal Rampage 2016 on Fresh". Fresh TV Youtube. 12 June 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  5. ↑ "Tongan Born New Zealander Nailini Helu wins second Professional boxing bout". NZ Fighter. 19 June 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  6. ↑ "Girls Fight Night Out in Manurewa". Scoop. 7 October 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  7. ↑ "Breaking News: Nailini Helu Number 1 Contender". NZ fighter. 20 June 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  8. ↑ "BTW Announces NZ Title". Boxing News 24. 21 July 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  9. ↑ "Less than a week to go till BTW Fight Night". Scoop. 9 September 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  10. ↑ "Kickboxing Champ Ange Davis excited to fight NZ#1 Nailini Helu in Pro Boxing Debut". Gladrap Youtube. 23 September 2016. Retrieved 15 January 2017.
  11. ↑ "Tongan Born New Zealander Wins Second Professional Bout". TNews. 20 June 2016. Retrieved 15 January 2017.
  12. ↑ "Nailini Helu splits Ange Davis amidst bribery accusations". WBN. 26 September 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  13. ↑ "Ange Davis to appeal decision". Scoop. 26 September 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  14. ↑ "Nailini Helu v Ange Davis result altered to a draw on appeal". WBN. 6 October 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  15. ↑ "Whawhai Fight Night, Series 1 Episode 16". Whawhai Fight Night. 26 December 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  16. ↑ "Nailini Helu Wins first major titles". Scoop. 26 September 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  17. ↑ "Girls Fight Night Out in Manurewa". Women Boxing. 7 October 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  18. ↑ "Results: Women gets their first win in New Zealand". Women Boxing. 8 October 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  19. ↑ "Robert Berridge v Adrian Taihia card swells for Oct 28". WBN. 12 October 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  20. ↑ "Alrie Meleisea Debuts with Upset of Unbeaten Nailini Helu". Women of Boxing. 29 October 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  21. ↑ "New Zealand: Meleisea vs Helu II confirmed". WBAN. 24 January 2016. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
  22. ↑ "Repeat on Women's Heavyweight bout". New Zealand Fighter. 11 March 2017. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
  23. ↑ "Nailini Helu gets a chance for New Zealand title". Womens Boxing News. 21 March 2017. Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  24. ↑ "First ever LGBT New Zealand Champion". Womens Boxing News. 21 April 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  25. ↑ "Nailini Helu v Lani Daniels tops South Auckland on July 14". World Boxing News. 6 June 2018. Retrieved 11 June 2018.
  26. ↑ "Prideland Boxing/Fitness". Facebook. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  27. ↑ "Interview with NZ#1 Heavyweight Nailini Helu aka "Tongan Goddess"". Gladrap Youtube. 23 September 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  28. ↑ "Boxing New Zealand National Championships 2015 Updates". Boxing NZ. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  29. ↑ "NZ Nationals 2014 Results - Youth / Elite Finals". Boxing NZ. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  30. ↑ "Nationals Elite session two". Boxing NZ. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  31. ↑ "New Zealand Amateur Champions Female Light Heavyweight". Boxing NZ. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  32. ↑ "New Zealand Amateur Champions Female Light Heavyweight". Awakening Fighters. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  33. ↑ "Nailini Helu". Boxrec. Retrieved 23 October 2016.
  34. ↑ "Nailini Helu vs Alrie Meleisea - CTP's Judgement Day @ ASB Stadium, Auckland". Gladrap Youtube. 28 October 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  35. ↑ "Fight of the Night - NZ#1 Nailini "Tongan Goddess" Helu vs Ange Davis - ABA Stadium". Gladrap Youtube. 27 September 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  36. ↑ "Helu loses win after appeal". Matangi Tonga Online. 7 October 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  37. ↑ "Nailini Helu "Tongan Goddess" vs. Kirsty Lupeamanu 'Samoan Sniper' - Royal Rampage 2016". Gladrap Youtube. 16 April 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
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