Lani Daniels

Lani Daniels is an active professional boxer from New Zealand. She is a two-division world champion, having held the IBF World Heavyweight title and currently holding the IBF World Light Heavyweight title.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Te Arani Moana Daniels was born on July 15, 1988, in Whangārei, New Zealand. The New Zealander is 169 cm tall and has a wingspan of 170 cm. "The Smiling Assassin" is her nickname.

She has competed primarily in the Light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. She fights from an orthodox position and is proud of her Māori heritage, hailing from the Ngāti Hine iwi. Outside of the ring, she has worked as a mental health nurse, balancing her medical career with professional boxing.

Career

Daniels began her professional campaign in September 2017 with a unanimous decision victory over Trish Vaka. She built her domestic reputation by capturing the New Zealand Light Heavyweight and Super Middleweight titles early in her career. Her first world title attempt came in 2019 against Geovana Peres for the WBO Light Heavyweight strap, where she lost a competitive decision.

She realized her world championship dreams in May 2023. In a historic all-New Zealand clash, Daniels defeated Alrie Meleisea by unanimous decision to win the vacant IBF World Heavyweight Title. She made history again in December 2023 by moving down in weight and defeating Desley Robinson to capture the IBF World Light Heavyweight Title, becoming a two-division world champion.

In July 2025, Daniels traveled to Detroit, U.S., for the biggest fight of her career, challenging undisputed champion Claressa Shields for the heavyweight crown. Although she showed immense durability and heart, Daniels lost via unanimous decision.

She remains a top force in the sport and is scheduled to defend her Light heavyweight title against Sarah Scheurich in Germany in December 2025.

Career Record:

Total - 16

Wins – 11

• By knockout - 1
• By decision - 10

Losses - 3

• By knockout - 0
• By decision - 3

Draws - 2