{{Short description|New Zealand boxer (born 1992)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}{{Use New Zealand English|date=July 2024}} {{Infobox martial artist | name = Alrie Meleisea | image = File:Alrie With title.jpg | image_size = | alt = | caption = | birth_name = Alrie Meleisea Felix | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1992|11|22}} | birth_place = Auckland, New Zealand | death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} --> | death_place = | death_cause = | native_name = | native_name_lang = | other_names = | nationality = New Zealander | height = | height_ft = | height_in = | height_cm = 170 | weight = | weight_lb = | weight_kg = 98.2 | weight_class = Heavyweight | reach = | reach_in = | reach_cm = | martial_art = Boxing<br>MMA | style = | stance = | fighting_out_of = | team = | teacher = | trainer = | rank = | wrestling = | years_active = 2016–present | box_win = 6 | box_kowin = 0 | box_loss = 2 | box_koloss = 0 | box_draw = 1 | box_nc = | mma_kowin = 1 | mma_subwin = | mma_decwin = 1 | mma_dqwin = | mma_otherwin = | mma_koloss = 0 | mma_subloss = | mma_decloss = 0 | mma_dqloss = | mma_otherloss = | mma_draw = 0 | mma_nc = | am_win = 4 | am_kowin = | am_subwin = | am_loss = 0 | am_koloss = | am_subloss = | am_draw = 0 | am_nc = | occupation = | university = | spouse = | children = | relatives = | students = | club = | school = | website = <!-- {{URL|www.example.com}} --> | boxrec = 777977 | sherdog = | footnotes = | medaltemplates = | show-medals = | updated = 12 December 2022 | module = }}
'''Alrie Meleisea''' (born 22 November 1992) is a New Zealand professional boxer and MMA fighter. Meleisea is a world title contender where she fought for the IBF World Heavyweight title against Lani Daniels in 2023. Meleisea lost the fight by Unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/combat-sports/300890811/lani-daniels-outslugs-alrie-meleisea-in-world-heavyweight-title-fight-in-nz|title=Lani Daniels outslugs Alrie Meleisea in world heavyweight title fight in NZ|publisher=Stuff.co.nz |date=2023-05-27 |access-date=2023-05-27}}</ref> Despite the loss, she became the first female pasifika boxer to fight for a world boxing title.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2023/news032423new-zealand-story.htm|title=Alrie Meleisea looks to becoming the first female Pasifika World Champion|publisher=Women boxing |date=2023-03-24 |access-date=2023-05-27}}</ref> Meleisea is a two time New Zealand Heavyweight Champion and a former UBF Asia Pacific heavyweight champion.
==Early life== Meleisea was born in Auckland, New Zealand on 22 November 1992. She trained under Vasco Kovačević at Red Line Combat Academy, who is the same person that trains Robert Berridge. Before turning pro, Meleisea had four corporate boxing bouts, winning all the bouts.<ref>{{cite news |title= Post Fight with Alrie Masina after UD victory over Kirsty Lupeamanu|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ltBK3Kc1_4 |work=Gladrap Channell |date= 8 November 2016|access-date=16 March 2017}}</ref>
==Professional boxing career==
=== Beginning of Nailini Helu Rivalry, Debut 2016=== On 28 October 2016, Meleisea took on Helu on the Robert Berridge vs Adrian Taihia undercard. Originally the bout was scheduled for Helu to take on Cheyenne Whaanga for the vacant NZPBA female light heavyweight title,<ref>{{cite news |title= Two years in the making, Adrian Taihia, Robert Berridge finally meet for NZ boxing title|url= http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/85645063/two-years-in-the-making-adrian-taihia-and-robert-berridge-finally-meet-for-nz-boxing-title |work=Stuff.co.nz |date= 23 October 2016|access-date=16 March 2017}}</ref> however due to injury Whaanga pulled out a week before the fight.<ref>{{cite news |title= Robbie Berridge Decisions Adrian Taihia in Grudge Match|url= http://www.boxingscene.com/robbie-berridge-decisions-adrian-taihia-grudge-match--110202|work=Boxing Scene |date= 28 October 2016|access-date=16 March 2017}}</ref> Meleisea took the fight on against Helu in 48 hour notice. Helu took the fight easy due to the last minute opponent, however due to this Meleisea won the bout by split decision. This was considered the biggest surprise of the year.<ref>{{cite news|title= Berridge defends New Zealand belt with Taihia triumph|url= https://www.worldboxingnews.com/berridge-defends-new-zealand-belt-with-taihia-triumph/|work= World Boxing News|date= 30 October 2016|access-date= 16 March 2017|archive-date= 16 March 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170316204942/http://www.worldboxingnews.net/2016/10/30/news/berridge-defends-new-zealand-belt-with-taihia-triumph|url-status= live}}</ref> On 5 November 2016, Meleisea took on Lupeamanu in Hamilton, New Zealand. Meleisea took the fight on a weeks notice, almost immediately after defeating Helu in her pro debut. Meleisea won the bout by unanimous decision, surprising the New Zealand heavyweight division two weeks in a row.<ref>{{cite news |title= Arlie Masina wins second bout|url= http://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2016-1/news110616new-zealand-bout.htm|work=Women Boxing News |date= 6 November 2016|access-date=16 March 2017}}</ref> Four months after the bout, Lupeamanu announced that she was forced to retire due to a tumour, making her fight against Meleisea her last professional boxing fight.<ref>{{cite news |title= 'Samoan Sniper' Kirsty Lupeamanu forced to end career|url= https://www.worldboxingnews.com/samoan-sniper-kirsty-lupeamanu-forced-to-end-career/|work=World Boxing News |date= 29 March 2017|access-date=2 April 2017}}</ref>
=== New Zealand champion, Sarah Long rivalry 2017 - 2019 === On 10 March 2017, Meleisea took on Hely for the vacant NZPBA and vacant UBF Asia pacific heavyweight titles.<ref>{{cite news |title= Women's Heavyweight Revenge or Repeat|url= http://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2017/news030417new-zealand.htm|work=Women Boxing News |date= 4 March 2017|access-date=16 March 2017}}</ref> This bout was difficult to make happen, due to Helu had a rematch clause to fight Ange Davis for the vacant NZPBA title.<ref>{{cite news |title= Appeal changes Helu vs Davis results|url= http://www.boxingnews24.com/2016/10/appeal-changes-helu-vs-davis-results/|work=Boxing News 24 |date= 5 October 2016|access-date=16 March 2017}}</ref> Due to Davis getting injured, Meleisea was next in line for the title shot.<ref>{{cite news |title= New Zealand: Meleisea vs Helu II confirmed|url= http://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2017/news012417rematch-in-new-zealand.htm|work=Women Boxing News |date= 24 January 2017|access-date=16 March 2017}}</ref> Meleisea won the bout by Split decision however the reaction of the audience and social media was split 50/50, some believing it was a controversial decision.<ref>{{cite news |title= Alrie Meleisea defeats Nailini Helu at ABA Stadium|url= https://www.worldboxingnews.com/alrie-meleisea-defeats-nailini-helu-at-aba-stadium/|work=World Boxing News |date= 12 March 2017|access-date=16 March 2017}}</ref> On 18 August 2017, it was announced that Meleisea mandatory challenger was Kickboxer Sarah Long. Long at the time had nine fights in Kickboxing and four fights in professional boxing. The fight was originally going to happen in October, but it was postponed due to Promoter and Long's Trainer Terry Tuteru had a fight clash with one of his other boxers.<ref>{{cite news |title= Mandatory Challenger been appoint for New Zealand title|url= http://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2017/news081917new-zealand-news-sarah-long.htm|work=Women's Boxing |date= 18 August 2017|access-date=11 November 2017}}</ref> On 6 October 2017, it was announced that the fight would take place at ABA Stadium on 11 November.<ref>{{cite news |title= Alrie Meleisea vs. Sarah Long is On|url= http://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2017/news100617new-zealand.htm|work=Women's Boxing |date= 6 October 2017|access-date=11 November 2017}}</ref> The fight itself was a really close with Long being knocked down in the second round. Meleisea retained her New Zealand National (NZPBA version) title by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite news |title= New Zealand Heavyweight (NZPBA Version) Champion Alrie Melesiea, defended her title |url= http://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2017/new111117new-zealand.htm|work=Women's Boxing |date= 11 November 2017|access-date=11 November 2017}}</ref>
On 18 May 2018, it was announced that Meleisea will have a rematch against Sarah Long, defending her New Zealand National (NZPBA version) title. This time Sarah Long's manager, Terry Tuteru, promoted the event, under their Ultimate rage event series "Ultimate Rage 5". The bout took place on 23 June 2018 in Onehunga, New Zealand. Meleisea has had a big training camp for this bout, having sparing sessions with Robert Berridge and Gunnar Jackson.<ref>{{cite news|title= Alrie Melesiea to rematch Sarah Long on June 23|url= https://www.worldboxingnews.com/alrie-melesiea-to-rematch-sarah-long-on-june-23/|work= World Boxing News|date= 6 June 2018|access-date= 11 June 2018|archive-date= 12 June 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141222/http://www.worldboxingnews.net/2018/06/06/news/alrie-melesiea-to-rematch-sarah-long-on-june-23|url-status= live}}</ref> On 20 June, it was announced that the bout between Meleisea and Long was postponed due to a death of Meleisea's mother.<ref>{{cite news |title= Alrie Meleisea postpones June 23 clash due to family death|url= https://www.worldboxingnews.com/alrie-meleisea-postpones-june-23-clash-due-to-family-death/|work=World Boxing News |date=20 June 2018|access-date=21 June 2018}}</ref> On 19 September 2019, it was announced that the rematch between Long and Meliesea would happen on 28 September at ABA Stadium. The fight was very close, but the decision ended in controversy. The ending in a draw was adequate, but the scoring from the judges shocked people. Judge 1 Adrian Bently who was acting as Supervisor of the night and the more experienced judge on the panel, had the card 40–36 to Meleisea. Judge 2 Kendall Cooper had the card 38-38. And finally, Judge 3 Smita Tailor who is the least experienced judge out of the panel had the scores 40–36 to Long.<ref>{{cite news |title= Long vs. Meleisea II ends in a DRAW |url= https://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2019/news092819new-zealand.htm|work=Women Boxing |access-date=1 October 2019}}</ref>
=== Return to boxing, Sequita Hemingway rivalry 2021 - 2022 === In July 2021, Meleisea made her boxing return after being away from the ring for 19 months. Meleisea took on professional rugby player Sequita Hemingway. Due to Hemingway height and reach advantage, Meleisea struggled in the fight and received her first loss of her career.<ref>{{cite news |title= Title fight on the cards for Hemmingway after impressive win |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/300355732/title-fight-on-the-cards-for-hemmingway-after-impressive-win|work=Stuff NZ |access-date=28 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Massive Heavyweight upset in New Zealand |url= https://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2021/news071021heavyweight-upset-in-new-zealand.htm|work=Women Boxing |access-date=28 October 2022}}</ref> In October 2022, it was announced that a rematch would happen between Meleisea and Hemingway in December for the vacant Pro Box NZ New Zealand National heavyweight title. At this time Hemingway is ranked 3rd in the WBA.<ref>{{cite news |title= Melesiea vs Hemingway confirmed for round two |url= http://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2022/news102722new-zealand-news.htm|work=Women Boxing |access-date=21 November 2022}}</ref> The winner of the Meleisea vs Hemingway fight would potentially lead to either a world title fight or at least a world title eliminator.<ref>{{cite news |title= Samoan boxer on the verge of world title shot |url= https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/sport/100948|work=Samoa Observer |access-date=10 December 2022}}</ref> Meleisea won the fight by unanimous decision, making her a two time New Zealand Heavyweight champion.<ref>{{cite news |title= Alrie Meleisea Wins Second New Zealand Title, World Title Looming |url= https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU2212/S00059/alrie-meleisea-wins-second-new-zealand-title-world-title-looming.htm|work=Scoop |access-date=10 December 2022}}</ref> After her fight, Meleisea asked if she would be interested in a world title fight against Lani Daniels. She replied “Anytime, anywhere, any place,” officially calling out Daniels.<ref>{{cite news |title= Hemingway misses out on NZ title with loss to Meleisea |url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/300763040/hemingway-misses-out-on-nz-title-with-loss-to-meleisea|work=Stuff NZ |access-date=13 December 2022}}</ref>
=== World Title fight, Lani Daniels rivalry 2023 === {{main|Lani Daniels vs Alrie Meleisea}} In January 2023, Meleisea receive a ranking of 5th on the ESPN Women's Boxing rankings.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/32533891/boxing-rankings-espn-top-5-women-every-boxing-division |title=Women's boxing divisional rankings: Seniesa Estrada ends 2022 as the top strawweight |publisher=ESPN |date=2023-01-05 |access-date=2023-01-09}}</ref> In January 2023, it was announced that Meleisea was in negotiations with Lani Daniels team for a potential world title fight in May.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.teaomaori.news/lani-daniels-talks-underway-potential-historic-world-title-fight |title=Lani Daniels: Talks underway for potential historic world title fight|publisher=Maori TV |date=2023-01-09 |access-date=2023-01-09}}</ref> On 14 January, it was confirmed the fight between Daniels and Meleisea will happen on May 27 at eventfinda stadium for the first ever IBF Female heavyweight title.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.teaomaori.news/lani-daniels-ibf-confirms-world-title-fight-humble-fighter-pipiwai |title=Lani Daniels: IBF confirms world title fight for 'humble' fighter from Pīpīwai |publisher=Maori TV |date=2023-01-15 |access-date=2023-01-16}}</ref> In February 2023, Meleisea received her highest world ranking of 2nd in the IBF.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ibf-usba-boxing.com/index.php?option=com_usboxing&task=ratingpdf&month=1&year=2023&gender=female&oid=1 |title=IBF World rankings |publisher=IBF |date=2023-02-03 |access-date=2023-02-04}}</ref> She also received the ranking of 2nd in the WBO in March 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://wboboxing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ranking-female-march-23.pdf |title=WBO World rankings |publisher=WBO |date=|access-date=2023-03-24}}</ref> Meleisea lost the fight by unanimous decision.
==Personal life== Meleisea has tattoos on her legs called a Malu as part of her Samoan heritage. The tattoo took 10 hours in over 5 days at a young age.<ref>{{cite news |title= Post Fight with Alrie Masina after UD victory over Kirsty Lupeamanu|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ltBK3Kc1_4 |work=Gladrap Channell |date= 8 November 2016|access-date=16 March 2017}}</ref>
==Professional boxing titles== *New Zealand Professional Boxing Association **New Zealand National female heavyweight title (198 ''Ibs'')<ref>{{cite news|title= NZPBA Champions|url= http://nzpba.weebly.com/champions.html|work= NZPBA|access-date= 16 March 2017|archive-date= 16 March 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170316204643/http://nzpba.weebly.com/champions.html|url-status= dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= NZPBA Rankings|url= http://nzpba.weebly.com/rankings.html|work= NZPBA|access-date= 16 March 2017|archive-date= 16 March 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170316205321/http://nzpba.weebly.com/rankings.html|url-status= dead}}</ref> *Universal Boxing Federation **UBF Asia pacific female heavyweight title (198 ''Ibs'')<ref>{{cite news |title= UBF Asia Pacific Region|url= http://www.ubfboxing.com/asia-pacific.html |work=UBF |access-date=16 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= UBF Women's Heavyweight Champions|url= http://www.ubfboxing.com/womens-heavyweight-division.html |work=UBF |access-date=16 March 2017}}</ref> *Pro Box NZ **New Zealand National female heavyweight title (216½ ''Ibs'')<ref>{{cite news |title= Hemingway misses out on NZ title with loss to Meleisea|url= https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/300763040/hemingway-misses-out-on-nz-title-with-loss-to-meleisea |work=Stuff NZ |access-date=12 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Meleisea wins N.Z. heavyweight title|url= https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/sport/100986 |work=Samoa Observer|access-date=12 December 2022}}</ref>
==Combat record== ===Boxing record=== {{BoxingRecordSummary |draws=1 |nc= |ko-wins=0 |ko-losses= |dec-wins=6 |dec-losses=2 |dq-wins= |dq-losses= }} <ref>{{cite news |title= Alrie Meleisea|url= http://boxrec.com/boxer/777977 |work=Boxrec |access-date=16 March 2017}}</ref> {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:95%" |- !{{abbr|No.|Number}} !Result !Record !Opponent !Type !Round, time !Date !Location !Notes |- |9 |{{no2}}Loss |6–2–1 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} Lani Daniels |{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}} |10 |27 May 2023 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} {{small|Eventfinda, Auckland, New Zealand}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost vacant IBF World Heavyweight title}} |- |8 |{{yes2}}Win |6–1–1 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} Sequita Hemingway |{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}} |8 |9 December 2022 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} {{small|Eventfinda, Auckland, New Zealand}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant Pro Box NZ Heavyweight title}} |- |7 |{{no2}}Lose |5–1–1 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} Sequita Hemingway |{{abbr|MD|Majority decision}} |4 |10 July 2021 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} {{small|The Plaza, Putaruru, New Zealand}} |style="text-align:left;"| |- |6 |{{yes2}}Win |5–0–1 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} Ashley Campbell |UD |6 |29 November 2019 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} {{small|North Shore Events Centre, Auckland, New Zealand}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|}} |- |5 |style="background:#abcdef;"|Draw |4–0–1 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} Sarah Long |{{abbr|SD|Split draw}} |4 |28 September 2019 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} {{small|ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|}} |- |4 |{{yes2}}Win |4–0 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} Sarah Long |UD |8 |11 November 2017 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} {{small|ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Defended NZPBA female heavyweight titles}} |- |3 |{{yes2}}Win |3–0 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Tonga}} Nailini Helu |SD |6 |10 March 2017 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} {{small|ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|won vacant NZPBA and UBF Asia Pacific female heavyweight titles}} |- |2 |{{yes2}}Win |2–0 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} Kirsty Lupeamanu |{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}} |4 |5 November 2016 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} {{small|Hamilton Cosmopolitan Club, Hamilton, New Zealand}} |style="text-align:left;"| |- |1 |{{yes2}}Win |1–0 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Tonga}} Nailini Helu |{{abbr|SD|Split decision}} |3 |28 October 2016 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} {{small|ASB Stadium, Kohimarama, New Zealand}} |style="text-align:left;"| |}
===MMA record=== {{MMArecordbox | draws= 0 | nc= | ko-wins= 1 | ko-losses= 0 | sub-wins= | sub-losses= | dec-wins= 1 | dec-losses= 0 | dq-wins= | dq-losses= | other-wins= | other-losses= }} {{MMA record start}} |- | {{yes2}}Win | style="text-align:center;" | 2–0 | {{flagicon|NZL}} Virtue Maea | Unanimous Decision | Princesses of Pain 47 | {{dts|2016|July|30|format=dmy}} | style="text-align:center;" | 3 | style="text-align:center;" | 3:00 | ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand | |- | {{yes2}}Win | style="text-align:center;" | 1–0 | {{flagicon|NZL}} Jade Snare | KO (Punches) | Princesses of Pain 46 | {{dts|2015|November|21|format=dmy}} | style="text-align:center;" | 1 | style="text-align:center;" | 0:18 | ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand | |}
==Awards and recognitions== * New Zealand Boxing Awards **2019 Gladrap Boxing Awards Best looking female boxer of the year '''(Nominated)''' **2019 Gladrap Boxing Awards Female Boxer of the Year '''(Nominated)'''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gladrapawards.weebly.com/winners2019.html |title=Gladrap Awards 2019 winners |publisher=Gladrap Channel |access-date=3 January 2020 |archive-date=2 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102134133/https://gladrapawards.weebly.com/winners2019.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> **2019 Gladrap Boxing Awards Returning Boxer of the Year '''(Won)'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2qciOAO7-U |title=Gladrap Awards 2019 |date=21 December 2019 |publisher=Gladrap Channel |access-date=3 January 2020}}</ref> ** 2023 New Zealand Fight of the year '''(Won)'''
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *[https://www.awakeningfighters.com/athletes/alrie-meleisea-felix/ Alrie Meleisea Awakening Fighters Profile] *{{Boxrec|id=777977}} *[http://www.womenboxingrecords.com/php/boxer_results.php?boxername=Alrie%20Meleisea Alrie Meleisea Women Boxing Profile]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Meleisea, Alrie}} Category:1992 births Category:Living people Category:Martial artists from Auckland Category:New Zealand women boxers Category:Boxers from Auckland Category:Heavyweight boxers Category:New Zealand people of Samoan descent Category:Sportspeople of Samoan descent Category:21st-century New Zealand sportswomen