Photography: Kirsty Joy Creative.
Lani Daniels is a boxing superstar. Back in April, she made history by becoming a three-time world champion with a victory at New York’s Madison Square Garden. But she’s also a girl from the tiny Northland community of Pipiwai who’s been through tough times to get to where she is today, so the triumph hasn’t gone to her head.
“I feel like it’s old news,” she says modestly.
“I’m focused on what’s in front of me now.”
As a younger woman, there was nothing about Lani, now 38, to suggest she’d one day be one of our sporting greats. Overweight and unhealthy, numbing herself with cannabis and alcohol, she struggled to find a direction in life.
Looking back, she can see that grief at the lossof a younger brother to cancer when she was 14 had a profound impact.
“At the time, I didn’t realise it,” says Lani, who was one of nine kids.
“I didn’t care about myself. I was self-sabotaging and burning bridges.”
Finding her way
After dropping out of high school without qualifications, Lani got a job at a fast-food restaurant, which is when her weight started to climb, finally reaching about 110kg.
She recalls, “Growing up in a large family, we never really got takeaways, so I was like, ‘Wow! I can eat as much as I like!’ I was also drinking alcohol like water. At that stage, I would’ve been a functioning alcoholic. I had two drink-driving charges as an 18- or 19-year-old.”
Getting to grips with her sexuality was also a struggle for Lani, who was brought up in the Mormon faith. Thankfully, she has a family who gives her unconditional love and acceptance, and for the past seven years, she’s been in a relationship with her partner Tiaho, whom she met through boxing.
“She’s my best friend,” smiles Lani.
Boxing changed everything
It was boxing that helped turn her life around, although in the beginning, weight loss was her main motivation. She was also inspired by watching her sister Caroline train for the charity boxing event Fight for Life.
“She was on this natural high and had a real glow,” says Lani.
“I thought, ‘I want some of that!’ My sister signed me up to a local gym, we trained for five months and I lost 10 kilos just by being consistent.”
Going pro
Lani began working with a trainer who spotted her natural talent and encouraged her to try competitive boxing. She stepped into the ring, won her first fight and lost her second, but the spark was lit.
At first, her goal was to get to the Olympics. But as a Mormon whose faith is still very important to her, Lani wasn’t prepared to train or fight on a Sunday, which proved to be a problem, so she turned professional and began winning world championships.
Grounded by Whānau
But wherever her stellar career takes her, Lani, who is of Ngāti Hine and Ngāpuhi descent, is always happy to be back in Northland, surrounded by whānau.
“Whenever I’ve had tough times, I’ve always been able to come home to ground myself, remember who I am and then, when I’m strong enough, go back out into
the world,” she says.
Building a future
At the moment, Lani is building her own home on family land, doing much of the work herself with her dad and sister. Her father Mike has also converted a garage on the property into a gym. When in full training, Lani works out three times a day and also runs regular training sessions for young locals.
At 38, she can feel her body starting to change and is aware her time at the top has limits.
“I’ve committed to one more year,” she says.
“I love boxing, but I also love having time with my family and enjoying life.”
Using her voice
Since there isn’t much money in women’s boxing, Lani has supported herself up until now by working as a mental health nurse. But this year, she made the decision to let her registration lapse.
“I wanted to nurse to help people,” she says.
“But now, with what I’ve achieved, I have more chance of reaching people by using my platform.”
The champion mindset
Lani isn’t sure what her future looks like, but she’s already started going into schools to speak to pupils about her boxing journey and how anyone can achieve their dreams through hard work.
“What I love about boxing is the mindset,” shares Lani.
“You have to go into the ring knowing you’re going to win because if there’s any hint of doubt, your mind is going to thrive on it. You need to be focused and disciplined. “Whichever path I follow after boxing, I want to use what I’ve learnt from being a world champion to try to live a better life.”
If you’re struggling with drugs or alcohol, please call 0800 787 797 or visit alcoholdrughelp.org.nz.
To speak to a trained volunteer about your sexuality, phone OutLine Aotearoa on 0800 688 5463 (6-9pm) or see the Rainbow Youth website at ry.org.nz.
