Latter-day Saint Boxer Champions Faith, Family, and Culture in Title Fight
Lani Daniels will enter Madison Square Garden on April 17, 2026, to challenge for a super middleweight championship. The New Zealand native faces reigning title-holder Shadasia Green for the WBO and IBF belts.
Fight details and broadcast
The bout is scheduled for 8 p.m. MDT and will air on ESPN. Madison Square Garden in New York City will host the title fight.
Career milestones
Daniels turned professional in 2017 in New Zealand. She already holds world titles in two weight divisions and seeks a third belt in New York.
Last July she fought Claressa Shields in Detroit for a title. Daniels went the distance and lost by decision after ten rounds.
Roots, faith, and identity
Daniels is Maori and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Family, culture and faith are central to her life and boxing career.
She comes from a long line of devout Latter-day Saint women. She has said family is the core of both church and Maori life.
Personal loss and recovery
As a teenager, Daniels lost her younger brother Tukaha to cancer at age 11. The grief led her into destructive behavior for a time.
Watching her sister prepare for a charity fight inspired Daniels to box. The sport helped her find stability and purpose.
Beliefs and choices
Daniels maintains a policy of not fighting on Sundays. That stance kept her from competing at the Olympics.
Her father, Mike Daniels, taught her to pray before each fight. Prayer provides comfort and a sense of protection for her.
Training base and support in Utah
During an April 10, 2026 training visit, she worked out at friend Caroline Kreutzkamp’s home in Orem, Utah. The Kreutzkamps and Daniels became close after missionary service in Pipiwai in 2023.
The Orem residence doubles as a temporary training base when she is in the United States. Her sister Caroline often serves as her cornerman and chief supporter.
Outside the ring
Daniels works as a mental health nurse for children and teens. She also supports suicide awareness and Maori gang-prevention programs in New Zealand.
Her community work and boxing career reinforce each other. She aims to show others that success is possible despite adversity.
Legacy and expectations
Known as “The Smiling Assassin,” Daniels combines a warm personality with fierce competitiveness. She has earned admiration for skill and sportsmanship.
At Madison Square Garden, she will represent family, nation, Maori heritage, and faith. Many see her as one of the emerging Latter-day Saint boxer champions balancing faith, family, culture and sport.
Filmogaz.com will follow the outcome and Daniels’ next steps after the April 17 title fight.
