Female boxer Daniella Smith is celebrating the biggest moment of her boxing career after winning the vacant IBF world welterweight title in Berlin, Germany, yesterday.
Hailing from Kaikohe in Northland, the 38-year-old Smith claimed the title with a unanimous points decision in the 10-round bout against Jennifer Retzke, handing her 25-year-old German opponent her first defeat in 11 professional fights.
Smith dropped Retzke in the ninth round on her way to claiming every round of the contest. It was Smith's 11th fight since turning professional in 2005, taking her record to 10 wins and one loss.
Smith is coached by Monty Betham. The former league player couldn't accompany the New Zealand welterweight champion for her first world title fight. Instead Smith's father George stepped in to act as his daughter's coach.
"She has to work so hard to make her fights happen, she's an amazing trainer and to be winning a world title at the age of 38 is unbelievable," said Betham.
Smith's last fight against Argentina's Gabriela Zapata in Auckland was almost solely funded by Daniella and her supporters.
"She won that fight, also unanimously, and that opened doors to more than one offer of a bout overseas," he said.
Boxing: 38-year-old Smith wins IBF world title
Photo / Herald on Sunday
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