(SEPT 13) In just three fights after coming out of retirement, UK Born New Zealander Michelle Preston wins the WBA Oceania and WBA International titles on September 9, 2022. 

Preston returned to boxing in May 2022 when she defeated multiple-time New Zealand amateur national champion Holly McMath by a split decision. Last month she took on New Zealand-born Australian Nicila Costello for the WBA Oceania title, winning by Unanimous decision. Now in her third fight, she took on Thailand boxer Phannaluk Kongsang.

After Preston won over Costello, Preston received the rankings of 5th in the WBA Super Flyweight division. Phannaluk Kongsang is a well-credentialed boxer who fought over multiple divisions and won multiple titles including Thailand National Super Flyweight, WBC Asia Bantamweight and WBC ABCO Flyweight titles.

The two fought in over 10 rounds for the WBA International super flyweight title and the possibility of a world title fight in the future. The only person from New Zealand to have won the title was Sonny Bill Williams in 2013. This fight was on the undercard of New Zealand's most famous kickboxing tournament, King in the Ring.

Kongsang did not make this easy for Preston, especially with her height and reach advantage. Kongsang also brought the fight to Preston, however, Preston was always on top throughout the fight, landing at least five more clean punches than her opponent.

It was quite clear the effect of Preston's punches was leaving and affect onto Kongsang when the Thai boxer was rocked in the 4th round. After ten rounds, Michelle Preston's hand was raised as the winner by unanimous decision.

The next rankings won't be due by the end of September, but it is expected that Preston is ranked in the top 3 of the WBA Rankings. It would be a big surprise if IBF and WBC don’t rank Preston, especially since Preston has been highly ranked by them in the past.

In other New Zealand boxing news, Mea Motu will be taking on Thailand boxer Usanakorn Thawilsuhannawang in October. Lani Daniels has increased her WBA rankings to 2nd in the Light Heavyweight division which is their version of a female Heavyweight division and Sequita Hemingway ranked 3rd also in the WBA Light Heavyweight division.

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