NZ boxer stuns world to claim three titles in New York then puts rival first

Lani Daniels has pulled off one of the biggest wins of her career in New York, claiming three world titles with a stoppage victory before immediately turning her focus to the safety of her opponent.

Fighting at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday (NZT), the Northland boxer overwhelmed defending champion Shadasia Green in the ninth round, forcing the referee to step in after a sustained burst of punches.

Green, who held the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organisation (WBO) super middleweight belts, was later taken from the ring on a stretcher and transported to hospital - bringing a sudden and worrying end to the bout.

Broadcast commentators later said she was conscious and recovering.

Daniels had just secured a stunning upset with The Ring title also on the line but celebrations were cut short as concern grew ringside.

The American had looked unsteady at the end of the eighth round and struggled to respond as Daniels took control in the ninth.

In her ringside interview with Sky Sport, Daniels made it clear where her thoughts were.

"Massive love and respect to my opponent. I hope that everything is well," she said.

Watch the referee stop the fight as Lani Daniels defeats American Shadasia Green in New York on Saturday (NZT).

The win marks a major moment for the Pipiwai fighter, who has now claimed world titles across three weight divisions, adding the unified super middleweight crowns to her earlier IBF heavyweight and lightweight belts.

Daniels said the result came down to key changes behind the scenes.

"I made the changes I needed to change. I moved back home. I trained out of my humble abode in Pipiwai.

"I got a world champion as my coach. The first IBF female champ ever in my corner. We did this together."

That coach, former world champion Daniella Smith, has helped guide Daniels back after a tough run, with the Kiwi losing her previous two fights on points.

She also took time to acknowledge those who supported her journey, including former New Zealand heavyweight champion Shane Cameron, who supplied her gloves for the fight.

Lani Daniels celebrates her ninth-round stoppage win at Madison Square Garden where the Northland boxer claimed three world titles in a stunning upset. Photo/Facebook/Debbie Carlisle

"And to my family at home watching at the pub, love you."

For New Zealand boxing fans, the result is another proud moment on the world stage, a fighter from a small Northland community stepping into one of boxing’s biggest arenas and coming away with history.

Just a year after falling short in her bid to become undisputed heavyweight champion against Claressa Shields, Daniels has now reshaped her story.

From Pipiwai to Madison Square Garden, she is once again a world champion and now, a unified one.