However, the IBF has already published new rankings before this weekend\u2019s bout, which see Yama in place 5 in the Super Lightweight (Junior Welterweight) division.<\/p>\n
This is a massive milestone for her as she is now ranked in all four major boxing bodies.<\/p>\n
Yama placed 10th in WBA, 12th in WBO and 19th in WBC, in addition to ninth on Boxrec.<\/p>\n
A win against Mulataiaili could boost her even further up the IBF rankings, potentially into third or second.<\/p>\n
Yama said she was grateful to now be recognised by all major boxing bodies.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt reflects the work my team and I have been putting in,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI started boxing because I genuinely enjoy it, and for me it\u2019s about performing and proving I\u2019m the best in the ring.<\/p>\n
\u201cUntil I\u2019m in a world title fight, those numbers motivate me, and I still have a lot to prove when that opportunity comes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Perwaisy will take Paul Tonga, of Napier, in the quarter-finals of the BX-9 Welterweight Tournament.<\/p>\n
It will be the pro debut for both fighters.<\/p>\n
\u201cGoing pro has always been a big dream and goal of mine so … I\u2019m grateful and blessed,\u201d Perwaisy said.<\/p>\n
He started his combat sports journey at the age of 9, following in the footsteps of his older brother Haimen.<\/p>\n
Hamiltonian Hamza Perwaisy is due to make his pro boxing debut after competing in kickboxing and Muay Thai.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom that moment, I was hooked to the fight game.\u201d<\/p>\n
Perwaisy also competed in kickboxing and Muay Thai, winning multiple titles and holding a combined record of 36 fights with 23 wins and 13 losses, and two wins coming by way of KO.<\/p>\n
\u201cI find stepping in the ring every time and facing my doubts and fears is my biggest achievement, the belts and trophies are just a bonus,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The other six BX-9 Welterweight Tournament quarter-final participants are Leon Budgen (record of 3-0-0), of Auckland, who will fight South Island boxer Dane Edge (2-3-0); Papua New Guinea boxer John Ume (3-0-0), who will be taking on South Sudan-born Australian Alex Lual (5-3-0); and Australian Riley Allen (5-0-0), who will take on Fiji-born New Zealander Zair Hussain (0-2-0).<\/p>\n
Another notable fight on the BX-9 card is Tuaiti, who will take on former Rugby League player Manu Vatuvei.<\/p>\n
Manu Vatuvei. Photo \/ Joseph Los’e<\/p>\n
Vatuvei retired from boxing in 2019 after being diagnosed<\/a> with a cyst in his brain, but has now been given the all-clear to return.<\/p>\n Vatuvei was introduced to boxing in 2012 through a charity boxing fight, Fight for Life, when he took on Olympic rower Eric Murray.<\/p>\n In 2018, Vatuvei famously fought David Letele and stopped him within 30 seconds of the first round.<\/p>\n Vatuvei and his brother Lopini were convicted of importing $200,000<\/a> worth of methamphetamine.<\/p>\n Manu was sentenced to three years and seven months\u2019 imprisonment.<\/a> He was released after 15 months in 2023.<\/p>\n The BX-9 event will take place on May 2 at Auckland\u2019s Eventfinda Stadium.<\/p>\n