Former world-ranked Samoan boxer Alrie Meleisea could be fighting for a world title as early as next if she wins a New Zealand title fight against Maori Sequita Hemingway.

On Friday night a rematch between former N.Z. champion and world-ranked boxer Alrie Meleisea (5 - 1 - 1) and WBA ranked 3rd Sequita Hemingway (1 - 1 - 0) is scheduled for the vacant Pro Box New Zealand heavyweight title, according to a statement issued by NZ boxing commentator Benjamin Watt. 

 The winner of the fight will go on to either fight in a world title eliminator or even a world title itself. Fellow Kiwi boxer Lani Daniels is already in a position for the world title after being ranked 1st in Boxrec, 1st in the WBC and 2nd in the WBA. The question is who will be her opponent. 

Daniels is excited about the opportunity and more excited to see how the fight plays out, added the media release. 

“This is an awesome fight. I am looking forward to it. Both are good fighters and either of them can win… I’m keen to fight Alrie, I’ve never shared the ring with her and it will be a good fight, but then again if Sequita wins she would definitely deserve a rematch with me."

She added that she knows she can fight anyone in New Zealand today and can beat them. 

“I know if I was in the ring with them I can become champion."

Hemingway already has her eyes on the world title prize as she aims for the first world title ever to be between two Maori boxers, says the media release. 

“How cool would that be to have two little Maori girls from two small towns fighting for a world title. What an inspiration to not only young women but young men as well." 

The first time Meleisea vs Heminway happened back in July 2021 was only a four-round fight. Hemingway made her professional debut, whereas Meleisea just came off an eight-month break. 

Being a four-round fight, this is a completely different fight. Experience for Meleisea should kick in. However, Hemingway is a professional rugby and rugby league player outside of boxing, which gives her that overall toughness, especially with Hemingway's height and reach advantage.

This is a true 50/50 fight where the winner gets a New Zealand title and has a World title shot right at their fingertips.

If the winner does go into a world title eliminator, one name comes to mind. Former New Zealand champion and formerly ranked 10th in WBC, Maori Sarah Long (3 - 3 - 1). Long has not fought since September 2019 when she drew with Alrie Meleisea. 

Long has had a big rivalry with Meleisea where they have had two fights and a third fight that collapsed. Meleisea Won the first fight with the second fight ended in a draw. 

Recently Sarah Long expressed interest in returning to the ring, and how epic would it be if she return to go straight into a world title eliminator. 

One other name that could be a possibility is the South African boxer who recently called out Lani Daniels, Razel Mohammed (3 - 0 - 2). Even if she isn't in the mix now, she could be a future world title opponent, once a New Zealand boxer won the title.

Alrie Meleisea vs Sequita Hemingway for the New Zealand National (pro box nz version) Heavyweight title is scheduled for Friday with the winner to either receive a world title shot or a world title eliminator. The fight will happen at EventFinda Stadium (formerly known as North Shore Events Centre). Tickets are on sale now at Eventfinda. https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2022/asm-fight-night/auckland/wairau-valley