Newstalk ZB
By Jonty Dine of RNZ Sheilla Yama didn’t grow up dreaming of being a world champion. The boxer led a quiet childhood with her seven siblings in Papua New Guinea. “No internet, no power, just lamps and traditional houses. It was a simple life.” She wasn’t even aware professional women’s boxing existed. “Phones and technology came later. We used to go up the mountains and climb trees just to get signal. It was crazy, but it was fun looking back now, life back then was very different compared to today.” But after stepping into a boxing gym at 25 purely looking to improve her fitness, Yama found her calling. Already working as a registered nurse, she began inflicting pain as well as healing it. Yama has quickly risen to become one of the most feared female fighters on the planet. “Hard work and discipline. You have to believe in yourself. I know I’ve put in the work, so I’m confident going into any fight.” Yama had previously looked for purpose through pageantry, winning the World Supermodel PNG competition in 2017, but struggling with the pressure it put on her for perfection. However, the discipline she learnt translated nicely to the boxing arena. After winning her first professional bout in 2024, Yama remains unbeaten, her most recent win coming in May against Nailini Helue to claim the IBF international super lightweight title. It took her to a perfect 7-0 career record. Now she is set for the biggest stage of her career, fighting on the undercard of David Nyika versus Floyd Masson on August 8 in Auckland. Her opponent is yet to be confirmed. “The mission is still the same. To be the best fighter in the world.” With such a compassionate demeanour and history in healthcare, aggression doesn’t come easily for Yama. “I don’t know where it comes from, think the switch comes during the fight. Right now I’m just chill.” She said despite her rapid ascension in the boxing world, Yama insists she is still just “a girl from the Islands”. “I’ve just always done it for fun and it still feels fun for me. I never grew up saying I wanted to be a world champion one day. It all just sort of happened slowly and I’m just going with the flow.” However, she is not going to let the opportunity for greatness slip. “We’re already here now, so we might as well take it all the way.” Nyika v Masson What: IBF cruiserweight world title eliminator When: Saturday, August 8, 2026 Where: Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland – RNZ
Go to News Site