A majority decision victory against Alrie Meleisea marked the professional boxing debut of Sequita Hemingway, an athlete who transitioned into the ring after limited corporate combat experience. Born on 7 January 1982 at Lake Waikaremoana, New Zealand, she established a multisport career that spans professional boxing, rugby league, and rugby union while maintaining heritage affiliations with the Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāi Tūhoe iwi.
Professional Boxing Trajectory
Training under Filipo Saua of Snap Back Boxing, Hemingway entered the professional ranks without an amateur background. Her debut win against the world-ranked Meleisea in 2021 was widely categorized as an upset. Despite subsequent losses, including a unanimous decision defeat to Lani Daniels in 2022 and a second loss to Meleisea in December 2022, she attained significant world rankings. By July 2022, she held a sixth-place ranking with the WBA in the light heavyweight division. Her career stats include peaking at first in the IBO, third in the WBA, fourth on BoxRec, and sixth in the WBC.
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Hemingway reached status as a two-time New Zealand national heavyweight champion. Her competitive history includes title-related bouts such as the 14 January 2023 confirmation of a rematch against Daniels for the ANBF Australasian Heavyweight title. Although she competed for the vacant Pro Box NZ New Zealand National heavyweight title in late 2022, she fell to Meleisea by unanimous decision. Her efforts in the sport have been recognized with New Zealand Boxing Awards, including wins for Upset of the Year, Debut of the Year, Female Newcomer of the Year, and Rugby Boxer of the Year.
Rugby Career and Background
Parallel to her boxing pursuits, Hemingway played competitive rugby. In rugby league, she debuted with the Linton Cobras in Wellington, contributing to two consecutive Wellington regional titles. She later joined the Mid Central Vipers in 2016. Her rugby union experience includes participation with the local club Kia Toa RFC, followed by selection for the Manawatu Cyclones in the Farah Palmer Cup for the 2017, 2018, and 2019 seasons.
Fast facts
- Born: 7 January 1982, Lake Waikaremoana
- Sport: Professional boxing, rugby union, rugby league
- Trainer: Filipo Saua
- Boxing Rank Peak: 1st IBO, 3rd WBA, 4th BoxRec, 6th WBC
- Iwi Affiliation: Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāi Tūhoe
- Notable Club: Manawatu Cyclones
Questions readers ask
What boxing titles has Sequita Hemingway competed for?
She has vied for the Pro Box NZ New Zealand National heavyweight title and the ANBF Australasian Heavyweight title.
Which rugby teams has Hemingway represented?
She played for the Linton Cobras, Mid Central Vipers, Kia Toa RFC, and the Manawatu Cyclones.
