Tongan-born professional boxer, Nailini Helu received her first world ranking at the weekend, 9 November 2024, when the IBF declared her 6th in the Light Heavyweight division IBF world ranking.
Nailini qualifed for the world ranking after she won the South Pacific Super Middleweight title against Tinta Smith in Auckland on 17 August.
Nailini throughout her 8-year professional boxing career, has fought some of the best female boxers from New Zealand, including World title contender Alrie Meleisea, Desley Robinson, retired WBO World Light Heavyweight champion Geovana Peres and two-division IBF World champion Lani Daniels.
Nailini lost to Lani Daniels on their last encounter, however, she has won against Daniels’ sister Caroline Daniels during their amateur career.
Nailini also received the ranking in minor bodies including, 4th in the IBO and 5th in Boxrec.
The Boxrec Editor for New Zealand, Benjamin Watt, told Matangi Tonga that it’s now important for Nailini to stay active if she wants to receive a shot at a future world title.
“This also means she could be chosen for a volunteer world title defence. This could possibly be an option for a rematch against Lani Daniels,” he said.
Nailani made her professional boxing debut in 2016 on the undercard for the WBC World Middleweight title fight, Kali Reis vs Maricela Cornejo.
Nailini Helu is a Tongan born New Zealander, she won her first and second professional fight against Kristy Lupemanu and Sarah Long in New Zealand in 2016.
She won her first debut professional fight in April 2016, defeating Lupeamanu, for the inaugural Royal Rampage World Female Heavyweight title.
Nailini is the older sister of professional boxer Panuve Helu.
