New Zealand boxer Geovana Peres (7 wins 1 lose) will be defending her WBO World Women’s Light Heavyweight title on October 4th at SkyCity Convention centre in Auckland.
Brazilian born New Zealander won her world title earlier this year in March against Northland boxer Lani Daniels. Now after winning the title, her biggest test is yet to come, defending it against an International opponent. She will be going up against World ranked number 1, Canadian Claire Hafner (4 wins 1 lose). Hafner is a real unknown which makes it difficult to set up a game plan for Geovana. “We are working on everything as we don’t know much about my opponent style. I have to be prepared for everything. But Preparation is going as planned.” Peres said to us. “The key is to be adaptable and be prepared for anything.”
This will be a big milestone for Geovana as this will be the first time she if fighting against an international opponent. “It feels exciting and it is another step to big and better things.” This will also be Geovana second time Main eventing on a fight that is televised. Her fight against Lani Daniels was prerecorded and broadcasted on Sky Sports 3. However this time she will be fighting Live on Sky Sports. She describes the feeling about to be live on tv in one word “Dreamlike!.”
When asked what does she fight for? she says, “I strongly believe people have a purpose in life. Mine is somehow promoting positive changes in people’s lives through Boxing.’
“It is a way I have to connect to people from all walks of life and inspire them, make them understand that everything is possible if they commit have to discipline and if they are willing to sacrifice. Integrity and strong principles are paramount and that every day we have the chance to be a better person. I want to be a platform for those who have a dream, for women in boxing.”
Geovane Peres is well known for her accomplishments as being the first person from the LGBT community to win a Professional New Zealand National Boxing title, and being the first LGBT person representing New Zealand to win a World Boxing title. There are only three active LGBT boxers in New Zealand including gay corporate boxer Ardon England who runs his own LGBT boxing Classes on Fridays at Boxing central, first New Zealand Born LGBT boxer Takatāpui Diane Beazley from Hamilton, and of course Geovana Peres. She describes the good feeling she gets receiving support from the community.
“LGBT Community has supported me a lot by giving me the chance to tell my story through this amazing magazine and social media where I have found very lovely people who come to my fights and cherish me up. The good vibes and beautiful words that come from the community is for sure something to be very grateful for and I am, VERY !”
The event itself that’s host the fight will be breaking boundaries as the fight card has a female dominant card. This is the first time in New Zealand history that a televised boxing event will feature more female fights than men, with four professional females bout and only one male bout, of course with Geovana in the main event. The undercard features Geovana Peres, last opponent, Lani Daniels taking on Tessa Tualevao in a rematch after their draw, for the vacant New Zealand Middleweight title. Karen Te Ruki Pasene taking on the returning former Muay Thai and Boxing World Champion Gentiane Lupi, Trish Vaka vs Australian Desley Robinson, and finally Samoan Born Australian Herman Ene Purcell taking on Samoan born New Zealander Viliamu Motusaga. Herman Ene Purcell was raised in North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand. He attended Glenfield College during his high school years.
Geovana Peres defending her World title against Claire Hafner will be happening at SkyCity Convention Centre. All the corporate tables have sold out for the event, however, there are less than 100 standing tickets available for just $60.00
To get your ticket before they sell out Contact Bruce Glozier 0212569485 or Steve Deane 021975150. The event will also be televised live on Sky Sports.
