The countdown for Whangārei’s first World Boxing Championship has started as international opponents were given a warm welcome in Northland.
A fully booked McKay Stadium will host two world titles for the much-hyped Wahine Toa II fight night on Saturday night.
While Kaitāia-born Mea Motu takes on Indian counterpart Chandni Mehra for the IBO super bantamweight title, Whangārei-born Lani Daniels faces Australian challenger Desley Robinson for the IBF light heavyweight title.
On Wednesday, the challengers were greeted with an energetic pōwhiri followed by some waiata and welcome by elders from Ngātiwai.
Challenger Mehra said coming to Whangārei had made her feel at home.