New Zealand sports "best kept secret" has locked in her first challenge for a boxing world title, and it will come on home soil.
Mea Motu. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Undefeated four-division New Zealand champion Mea Motu, who fights out of the Peach Boxing gym in West Auckland, will fight for the IBO super-bantamweight belt in Auckland in April.
Promoter Dean Lonergan of D+L events confirmed a date and an international opponent were locked in, with full details to be revealed in the coming days.
"Mea is NZ sport's best kept secret," Lonergan said.
"Boxing fans know her and just how good she is - but the average NZ sports fan probably hasn't heard of her.
"That's going to change very soon. Mea is every bit as talented as the likes of David Tua, Joseph Parker and Israel Adesanya. She's going to transcend the sport."
Motu has rattled off 15 wins, including six knockouots, since turning professional in 2020.
Along the way, the 33-year-old from New Zealand's Far North had picked up national titles in the lightweight, super-lightweight, featherweight, and super-featherweight divisions.
While pleased to get her first world title shot, Motu said capturing the IBO belt would merely be her first step towards bigger things.
"I'm coming for all the titles - and I'm not stopping until I have them.
Photo: Supplied
"The chance to fight for world title at home is a dream come true. I'll be fighting for my whanau and everyone who has helped me along the way."
Trainer Isaac Peach said Motu's time had well and truly come.
"Mea's beaten everyone there is to beat in her own backyard.
"In her last three fights she has stepped up to face international opponents and has been every bit as dominant. She's ready.
"Mea is not only talented but she is hugely entertaining - which is a massive factor in boxing. She's a main event fighter, not a support act."
Confirmation of the bout means two world title opportunities were now locked in for Peach Boxing fighters.
Undefeated cruiserweight David Light will challenge British star Lawrence Okolie for the WBO title in Manchester on March 25.
Two other undefeated prospects out of the West Auckland stable, Andrei Mikhailovich (19-0) and Jerome Pampellone (15-0), are expected to be on the undercard for Motu's fight.
Lonergan confirmed the card would feature New Zealand's leading professional contenders, adding "Mea will be headlining the biggest boxing show in New Zealand this year".