PNG’s Sheilla Yama set to defend IBF title against Australian champion Jessica Messina

Papua New Guinea boxing star Sheilla Yama will defend her International Boxing Federation [IBF] Super Lightweight title against Australia's Jessica Messina in New Zealand on Saturday.

The Mt Hagen-born champion faces a stern test at Eventfinda Stadium against Messina, who holds both the Australian Welterweight and Super Lightweight belts.

Yama comes into the bout off a dominant second-round technical knockout victory against previously undefeated Chinese challenger Haini Mulataiaili.

The Hamilton-based fighter said she was taking a tactical approach into the ring.

"She’s a come-forward style fighter, so we’ll try playing my game," Yama said.

"I think she had a good amateur career, and she started pro boxing before me, so again, we’ll do the feel-out rounds, and then we’ll see.

"Because it’s boxing, anything can happen, and I have no expectations. It’s just going in there and doing the job. If it’s 10 rounds, it’s 10 rounds. If it’s less, it’s less."

Since turning professional in 2022, Yama has compiled an undefeated 7-0 record, including three knockouts.

Messina, a 34-year-old orthodox fighter from New South Wales, brings extensive international experience to the ring, having suffered just one loss across nine professional bouts following a long amateur career.

"It’s going to be an explosive fight. I reckon it’s going to be a Female Fight of the Year contender," Messina said.

"I’m very tenacious. I’m going to fight every second of every round, and I’m going to be there ready to go the whole fight.

"I’ve boxed overseas numerous times and went to World Championships as an amateur multiple times, which set me up for the pros quite well… I’m going to make a statement, and hopefully everyone watching is going to really know who Jess Messina is."

The winner is expected to take the top contender spot in the IBF rankings, clearing a path towards a mandatory world title shot.