{{short description|New Zealand boxer (born 1993)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}} {{Infobox martial artist | name = Nailini Helu | image = File:Nailinihelu.jpg | image_size = 150px | alt = | caption = Nailini Helu at press conference 2026. | birth_name = Nailini Inaise Vae Helu | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1993|11|20}} | birth_place = Nukualofa, Tonga | 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 = The Tongan Goddess | nationality = New Zealander | height = | height_ft = | height_in = | height_cm = 170 | weight = | weight_lb = | weight_kg = 74.7 | weight_class = Heavyweight<br>Light Heavyweight<br>Super Middleweight<br>Middleweight | reach = | reach_in = | reach_cm = | martial_art = Boxing | style = | stance = Orthodox | fighting_out_of = | team = | teacher = | trainer = Aloisio Helu<br />Lolo Heimuli | rank = 6th | wrestling = | years_active = 2016-present | box_win = 4 | box_kowin = 0 | box_loss = 5 | box_koloss = 0 | box_draw = 1 | box_nc = 0 | occupation = Boxer | university = | spouse = | children = | relatives = | students = | club = | school = | website = <!-- {{URL|www.example.com}} --> | boxrec = 749748 | sherdog = | footnotes = | medaltemplates = | show-medals = | updated = 4 August 2023 | module = }} '''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 a 4th in IBO, 5th on BoxRec in the Super Middleweight rankings and 6th in the IBF Light Heavyweight rankings.<ref name="WBAN">{{cite news |title=Tongan boxer receives world rankings for first time in eight-year professional career|url=https://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2024/news110924new-zealand-news.htm |work=WBAN|date=9 November 2024 }}</ref> She is a two time South Pacific Super Middleweight Champion.
==Professional debut, New Zealand title shot 2016== Helu made her pro boxing debut against Kirsty Lupeamanu for the promotion's own Inaugural Royal Rampage heavyweight title.<ref>{{cite news |title= Uaine Fa and Nailini Helu winning start at Royal Rampage|url= http://matangitonga.to/2016/04/18/uaine-fa-and-nailini-helu-winning-start-royal-rampage |work=Matangi Tonga Online |date=18 April 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title= Lisa Lewis prepares for the boxing ring|url= http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/78748798/prostitute-lisa-lewis-prepares-for-the-boxing-ring |work=Stuff.co.nz |date=10 April 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title= Ashton bucks the boxing trend by becoming first female to ref professional bout|url= http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/sport/79027246/ashton-bucks-the-boxing-trend-by-becoming-first-female-to-ref-professional-bout |work=Manawatu Standard |date=18 April 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title= Royal Rampage 2016 on Fresh|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORE45nnutqw |work=Fresh TV Youtube |date=12 June 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> Helu next pro fight was against Sarah Long.<ref>{{cite news |title= Tongan Born New Zealander Nailini Helu wins second Professional boxing bout|url= https://newzealandfighter.co.nz/home/tongan-born-new-zealander-nailini-helu-wins-second-professional-boxing-bout |work=NZ Fighter |date=19 June 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> Long was making her pro boxing debut, however she has had 6 kickboxing bouts (3 wins 3 losses) and 1 win in Corporate boxing.<ref>{{cite news |title= Girls Fight Night Out in Manurewa|url= http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1610/S00099/girls-fight-night-out-in-manurewa.htm |work=Scoop |date=7 October 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title= Breaking News: Nailini Helu Number 1 Contender|url= https://newzealandfighter.co.nz/home/breaking-news-nailini-helu-number-1-contender |work=NZ fighter |date=20 June 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite news |title= BTW Announces NZ Title|url= http://www.boxingnews24.com/2016/07/btw-announces-nz-title/ |work=Boxing News 24 |date=21 July 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title= Less than a week to go till BTW Fight Night|url= http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1609/S00287/less-than-a-week-to-go-till-btw-fight-night.htm |work=Scoop |date=9 September 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title= Kickboxing Champ Ange Davis excited to fight NZ#1 Nailini Helu in Pro Boxing Debut|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0VMnKXqZE0 |work=Gladrap Youtube |date=23 September 2016 |access-date=15 January 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title= Tongan Born New Zealander Wins Second Professional Bout|url= http://www.tnews.co.nz/sport/tongan-born-new-zealander-wins-second-professional-bout/ |work=TNews |date=20 June 2016 |access-date=15 January 2017}}</ref> The bout itself was close throughout the fight; however the fight of the night ended by a split decision win to Helu.<ref>{{cite news |title= Nailini Helu splits Ange Davis amidst bribery accusations|url= https://www.worldboxingnews.com/nailini-helu-splits-ange-davis-amidst-bribery-accusations/ |work=WBN |date=26 September 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title= Ange Davis to appeal decision|url= http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1609/S00403/ange-davis-to-appeal-decision.htm |work=Scoop |date=26 September 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title= Nailini Helu v Ange Davis result altered to a draw on appeal|url= https://www.worldboxingnews.com/nailini-helu-v-ange-davis-result-altered-to-a-draw-on-appeal/ |work=WBN |date=6 October 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> On 26 December, Māori Television televised this fight on the combat show called Whawhai Fight Night.<ref>{{cite news |title= Whawhai Fight Night, Series 1 Episode 16|url= http://www.maoritelevision.com/tv/shows/whawhai-fight-night/S01E016/whawhai-fight-night-series-1-episode-16 |work=Whawhai Fight Night |date=26 December 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> Helu was originally scheduled to fight Victoria Nansen on 8 October 2016.<ref>{{cite news |title= Nailini Helu Wins first major titles|url= http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1609/S00392/nailini-helu-wins-first-major-titles.htm |work=Scoop |date=26 September 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title= Girls Fight Night Out in Manurewa|url= http://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2016-1/news100716boxing-event-new-zealand.htm|work=Women Boxing |date=7 October 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> Kirsty Lupeamanu took on the fight on a week's notice and won by majority decision.<ref>{{cite news |title= Results: Women gets their first win in New Zealand|url= http://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2016-1/news100816new-zealand-results.htm|work=Women Boxing |date=8 October 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref>
Helu was originally scheduled to take on Cheyenne Whaanga for the New Zealand (NZPBA version) light heavyweight Title;<ref>{{cite news |title= Robert Berridge v Adrian Taihia card swells for Oct 28|url= https://www.worldboxingnews.com/robert-berridge-v-adrian-taihia-card-swells-for-oct-28/ |work=WBN |date=12 October 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title= Alrie Meleisea Debuts with Upset of Unbeaten Nailini Helu|url= http://www.womenofboxing.com/arie-masina-debuts-with-upset-of-unbeaten-nailini-helu/ |work=Women of Boxing |date=29 October 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref>
==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.<ref>{{cite news |title= New Zealand: Meleisea vs Helu II confirmed|url= http://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2017/news012417rematch-in-new-zealand.htm |work=WBAN |date=24 January 2016 |access-date=25 January 2017}}</ref> Helu lost the bout by a controversial split decision.<ref>{{cite news |title= Repeat on Women's Heavyweight bout|url= https://newzealandfighter.co.nz/home/repeat-on-womens-heavyweight-bout |work=New Zealand Fighter |date=11 March 2017 |access-date=12 March 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title= Nailini Helu gets a chance for New Zealand title|url= http://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2017/news032117new-zealand.htm |work=Womens Boxing News |date=21 March 2017 |access-date=21 March 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title= First ever LGBT New Zealand Champion|url= http://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2017/news042117newzealand.htm |work=Womens Boxing News |date=21 April 2017 |access-date=22 April 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title= Nailini Helu v Lani Daniels tops South Auckland on July 14|url= https://www.worldboxingnews.com/nailini-helu-v-lani-daniels-tops-south-auckland-on-july-14/|work=World Boxing News |date=6 June 2018 |access-date=11 June 2018}}</ref> The two have fought before back in the amateurs multiple times. Daniels won the bout by unanimous decision.
== Comeback 2022 - 2024 == 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 Middleweight title.<ref>{{cite news |title= Tongan Kiwi retains title against Waikato boxer|url= https://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/349348-tongan-kiwi-retains-title-against-waikato-boxer.html |work=Sun Live |access-date=10 November 2024}}</ref> In August 2023, Helu took on Desley Robinson for the WBA Oceania Middleweight title. It was a close fight with Robinson winning by split decision.<ref>{{cite news |title= Desley Robinson is the new WBA Oceania bantamweight champion|url= https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/desley-robinson-is-the-new-wba-oceania-bantamweight-champion |work=WBA |access-date=10 November 2024}}</ref> Helu won the fight by majority decision, making this her first official title in her career. She would reclaim the title in a rematch with Helu winning in August 2024 by Split Decision.<ref name="WBAN" /> As a result, she would receive her first world rankings, being ranked 6th in the IBF in the Light Heavyweight division.
==Personal life== Helu trains at Pridelands boxing gym, which is based in Ōtara.<ref>{{cite news |title= Prideland Boxing/Fitness|url= https://www.facebook.com/pg/PridelandBoxingFitness/about/ |work=Facebook |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> The gym is a community-based gym that is free for everyone to use. Helu's uncle, Aloisio Helu, once ran the gym, but died in 2024. Helu is the older sister to Light Heavyweight boxer Panuve Helu, which is common for them to spar and train together.<ref>{{cite news |title= Interview with NZ#1 Heavyweight Nailini Helu aka "Tongan Goddess"|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G1ZsffgbN8&t |work=Gladrap Youtube |date=23 September 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> Panuve Helu started training with City Kickboxing and Nailini Helu started train back with her first trainer at Balmoral Lee Gar Gym.
==Amateur boxing titles== *Gold 2015 New Zealand Golden Gloves Championship Heavyweight *Gold 2015 New Zealand National Championship Heavyweight<ref>{{cite news |title= Boxing New Zealand National Championships 2015 Updates|url= http://www.boxingnz.org.nz/page/news.aspx?news=5882 |work=Boxing NZ |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> *Gold 2014 New Zealand National Championship Heavyweight<ref>{{cite news |title= NZ Nationals 2014 Results - Youth / Elite Finals|url= http://www.boxingnz.org.nz/default.aspx?page=results&tourn=158 |work=Boxing NZ |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> *Silver 2014 New Zealand North Island Golden Gloves Championship Heavyweight *Bronze 2013 New Zealand National Championship Light Heavyweight<ref>{{cite news |title= Nationals Elite session two|url= http://www.boxingnz.org.nz/default.aspx?page=results&tourn=147 |work=Boxing NZ |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> *Silver New Zealand North Island Golden Gloves Championship Heavyweight *Gold 2012 New Zealand National Championship Light Heavyweight<ref>{{cite news |title= New Zealand Amateur Champions Female Light Heavyweight|url= http://www.boxingnz.org.nz/default.aspx?page=champions&cat=16 |work=Boxing NZ |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref>
==Professional boxing titles== *Boxing Promotions titles **Royal Rampage Heavyweight Title (172¾''Ibs'')<ref>{{cite news |title= New Zealand Amateur Champions Female Light Heavyweight|url= https://www.awakeningfighters.com/athletes/nailini-helu/ |work=Awakening Fighters|access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> * New Zealand Professional Boxing Commission ** South Pacific Super Middleweight title (164''Ibs'') ** South Pacific Super Middleweight title (161½''Ibs'')
==Professional boxing record== {{BoxingRecordSummary |draws=1 |nc= |ko-wins=0 |ko-losses=0 |dec-wins=4 |dec-losses=5 |dq-wins= |dq-losses= }} <ref>{{cite news |title= Nailini Helu|url= http://boxrec.com/boxer/749748 |work=Boxrec |access-date=23 October 2016}}</ref> {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:95%" |- !{{abbr|No.|Number}} !Result !Record !Opponent !Type !Round, time !Date !Location !Notes |- |10 |{{yes2}}Win |4–5–1 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} Tinta Smith |{{abbr|SD|Split Decision}} |8 |17 August 2024 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} {{small|Te Rapa Racecourse, Hamilton, New Zealand}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant PBCNZ South Pacific super middleweight title}} |- |9 |{{no2}}Loss |3–5–1 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|AUS}} Desley Robinson |{{abbr|MD|Majority Decision}} |8 |4 August 2023 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} {{small|ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost Vacant WBA Oceania middleweight title}} |- |8 |{{yes2}}Win |3–4–1 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} Tinta Smith |{{abbr|MD|Majority Decision}} |8 |26 August 2022 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} {{small|ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant South Pacific (PBCNZ Version) super middleweight title}} |- |7 |{{no2}}Lose |2–4–1 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} Lani Daniels |{{abbr|UD|Unanimous Decision}} |8 |14 July 2018 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} {{small|Auckland Netball Centre, St John, Auckland, New Zealand}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For New Zealand (NZPBA Version) light heavyweight title}} |- |6 |{{no2}}Lose |2–3–1 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Brazil}}{{flagicon|NZL}} Geovana Peres |{{abbr|UD|Unanimous Decision}} |8 |21 April 2017 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} {{small|ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For vacant New Zealand (NZNBF Version) light heavyweight title}} |- |5 |{{no2}}Lose |2–2–1 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} Alrie Meleisea |{{abbr|SD|Split Decision}} |6 |10 March 2017 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} {{small|ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For vacant New Zealand (NZPBA Version) and UBF Asia Pacific heavyweight titles}} |- |4 |{{no2}}Lose |2–1–1 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} Alrie Meleisea<ref>{{cite news |title= Nailini Helu vs Alrie Meleisea - CTP's Judgement Day @ ASB Stadium, Auckland|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmbRzmnlAA0 |work=Gladrap Youtube |date= 28 October 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> |{{abbr|SD|Split Decision}} |3 |28 October 2016 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} {{small|ASB Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand}} |style="text-align:left;"| |- |3 |style="background:#abcdef;"|Draw |2–0–1 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} Ange Davis<ref>{{cite news |title= Fight of the Night - NZ#1 Nailini "Tongan Goddess" Helu vs Ange Davis - ABA Stadium|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-cLqPPjaWY |work=Gladrap Youtube |date= 27 September 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> |{{abbr|SD|Split Decision}} |6 |24 September 2016 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} {{small|ABA Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For vacant New Zealand (NZPBA Version) and UBF Asia Pacific heavyweight titles<br />Original result went to Helu by SD, however due to an appeal the result was changed to a draw<ref>{{cite news |title= Helu loses win after appeal|url= http://matangitonga.to/2016/10/07/helu-loses-win-after-appeal |work=Matangi Tonga Online |date= 7 October 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref>}} |- |2 |{{yes2}}Win |2–0 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} Sarah Long |{{abbr|UD|Unanimous Decision}} |4 |18 June 2016 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} {{small|Weymouth Cosmopolitan Club, Manukau, New Zealand}} |style="text-align:left;"| |- |1 |{{yes2}}Win |1–0 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} Kirsty Lupeamanu<ref>{{cite news |title= Nailini Helu "Tongan Goddess" vs. Kirsty Lupeamanu 'Samoan Sniper' - Royal Rampage 2016|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCfqhKrm_mo |work=Gladrap Youtube |date= 16 April 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> |{{abbr|UD|Unanimous Decision}} |4 |16 April 2016 |style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|NZL}} {{small|The Trusts Arena, Auckland, New Zealand}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won inaugural Royal Rampage heavyweight title}} |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *[https://www.awakeningfighters.com/athletes/nailini-helu/ Nailini Helu Awakening Fighters Profile] *{{Boxrec|id=749748}} *[http://www.womenboxingrecords.com/php/boxer_results.php?boxername=Nailini%20Helu Nailini Helu Wommen Boxing Profile]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Helu, Nailini}} Category:1993 births Category:Living people Category:New Zealand women boxers Category:Boxers from Auckland Category:Heavyweight boxers Category:Tongan emigrants to New Zealand Category:Tongan boxers Category:Fighters trained by Lolo Heimuli Category:Sportspeople from Nukuʻalofa Category:21st-century New Zealand sportswomen