Papua New Guinea boxing star Sheilla Yama has successfully defended her International Boxing Federation [IBF] Super Lightweight title after securing a unanimous decision victory over Australia’s Jessica Messina in New Zealand on Saturday night.
The Mt Hagen-born champion faced a stern test at the Eventfinda Stadium against Messina, who holds both the Australian Welterweight and Super Lightweight titles.
Yama went into the bout off a dominant second-round technical knockout victory against previously undefeated Chinese challenger Haini Mulataiaili, and continued her impressive form against the Australian dual-title holder.
The Western Highlands native controlled the pace across the rounds to earn the nod from all three judges on the night.
Since turning professional in 2022, Yama has maintained an unbeaten record of seven wins from seven fights, including three victories by way of knockout.
Following her successful title defense, the 2022 standout is now expected to claim the top contender spot in the latest IBF rankings, clearing the path toward a mandatory world title challenge.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape has praised professional boxer Sheilla Yama following her successful defence of her International Boxing Federation [IBF] International Super Lightweight title in Auckland, New Zealand.
Yama defeated Australian challenger Jessica Messina on Saturday night at Eventfinda Stadium, extending her undefeated professional record to 8-0. The victory moves the Papua New Guinean fighter closer to a world title elimination bout.
The bout was broadcast live nationwide via the National Broadcasting Corporation(NBC).
In a statement, Marape commended Yama’s discipline, sportsmanship, and self-reliance, describing her independent path to professional sports as a model for the country’s youth.
“I am very proud of this young lady. She is humble and professional, and is a great ambassador for Papua New Guinea,” Marape said.
“Without waiting for government, community, or parental support, she has dedicated her life to pursuing a sporting career that she has a passion and love for.”
The Prime Minister urged young Papua New Guineans to adopt a similar proactive mindset across all sectors, including agriculture, education, and small business.
‘We must move away from a culture of dependency,” he said. “When you discover your field of interest, do not wait for external support from government or your community to begin. Enter your field with humility, maintain professional standards, endure the initial hardships, and rely on your own skills and work ethic.”
Yama, who shares family ties across Western Highlands, Oro, and Morobe provinces, grew up in a large household and completed university before taking up boxing at age 25 for physical conditioning.
To transition into professional boxing, she relocated to Hamilton, New Zealand, funding her training by working shifts as a registered nurse and healthcare assistant.
Affiliated with the PNG Boxing Union (PNGBU) under president Gideon Kendino, she trains under former professional boxer Cairo George at Team George Boxing / Hit Fitness HQ.
Yama captured a Professional Boxing Commission (PBC) title in 2025 before securing her IBF belt in May 2026.
PM Marape acknowledged NBC for enabling Papua New Guineans to follow the fight live, wishing Yama and her team continued success in her upcoming international fixtures.
