January 10, 2024
Media release: Lani Daniels forced to vacate one of her world titles
Media release: Lani Daniels forced to vacate one of her world titles
Two-division world champion Lani Daniels has been forced to vacate one of her world titles.
New Zealand Maori Lani Daniels has had a very successful 2023, winning the IBF World Heavyweight and IBF World Light Heavyweight titles. After Daniels won the title, her management was made aware by IBF that Daniels could not hold a world title in two weight divisions under IBF bylaws.
Some boxing-sanctioning bodies do allow boxers to hold titles in multiple weight classes. An example is Floyd Mayweather, with the WBC holding titles in the Welterweight and Super welterweight divisions. Claressa Shields held world titles in both the Middleweight and Super Welterweight divisions with the IBF; however, she would also be forced to vacate her title, ultimately choosing to keep the Middleweight title.
It is believed that Daniels will be choosing to keep the new Light Heavyweight title as it continues her pathway to go down to Super Middleweight eventually. Daniels’ manager, John Conway, had plans for Daniels to keep her Heavyweight title and defend it in her next fight before going back to the Light Heavyweight division in late 2024. Unfortunately, the next opponent that was lined up declined the fight, causing plans to be changed.
This morning, the IBF has released the monthly rankings for only the female boxing division. It has been confirmed that Daniels has vacated the Heavyweight title while keeping her Light Heavyweight title.
We do know that a rematch between Daniels and Desley Robinson. Apart from that, we are not sure who else would be next on Daniels’s radar. Russian Luiza Davidova is ranked 1st in the IBF Light Heavyweight division; however, it is unlikely for this to be Daniels’s next opponent as New Zealand has sanctions against Russia. Canadian Vanessa Lepage Joanisse is ranked 3rd, a more likely opponent in the rankings.
The next opponent will likely be the Australian boxer Che Kenneally, ranked 3rd in the WBC. Kenneally is closest to New Zealand in the ways of contenders and the most cost-effective for the promoter.
Lani Daniels, promoted by Dean Lonergan, will return in the ring in April 2024, most likely in Hamilton, New Zealand. Of course, Mea Motu will be the main event alongside Daniels as they defend their respective titles.