Boxing: Kiwi wins IBF women's title

New Zealander Daniella Smith, the new IBF world welterweight champion. Photo / Supplied

Auckland boxer Daniella Smith won the vacant IBF world welterweight title in Berlin, Germany, early today (NZT).

The 38-year-old Northlander 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 also Smith's 11th fight since turning professional in 2005, taking her record to 10 wins and one loss (in 2007).

Smith is coached by Monty Betham, who described her achievement as "amazing".

"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."

Betham said 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.

"Ultimately we made the decision to accept the offer from Retzke and now Daniella has a world title to celebrate."

- NZPA