World boxing champion Lani Daniels, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, trains at her friend Caroline Kreutzkamp’s home in Orem on Friday, April 10, 2026. Daniels’ next fight is at Madison Square Garden in New York City on April 17, 2026. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News The mixture of emotions on Latter-day Saint boxer Lani Daniels’ face was evident as she stood for her first interview late Friday as the newly crowned WBO/IBF super middleweight champion of the worldOne one hand, Daniels had just pulled off a major upset — stopping the celebrated champion Shadasia Green with a 9th-round TKO (technical knockout).

It marked a historic, unexpected moment for the 37-year-old New Zealand athlete who has overcome pain and setbacks on her way to Friday’s title victory in storied Madison Square Garden.And on the other hand, there was clear concern on Daniel’s face as she conducted the live interview with ESPN inside the same ring where she had claimed her third world title.After watching Green absorb a volley of Daniel’s rapid blows late in the scheduled 10-round bout, the referee quickly stepped between the two fighters, waved his arms and stopped the contest.It was immediately clear that Green was in physical distress. A hush fell in the arena as medical crews attended to the fighter, who came into Friday’s title bout with only one loss on her professional record.Green was carried from the ring on a stretcher.

ESPN later reported “she was doing well” as they wrapped-up the evening’s broadcast.During his post-fight interview, ESPN fight commentator Ariel Helwani congratulated Daniels “on the biggest win of your career” — while also noting his concern for Green’s well-being.When asked how she was feeling, Daniels first spoke several words in the Maori language before responding in English. “I give thanks to our Heavenly Father and massive love and respect to my opponent — I hope that everything’s well.”She then gave a shout-out to all who had supported her — “and to my family at home.”Friday’s fight was the second big bout the lifelong Latter-day Saint had fought on American soil against a highly regarded opponent.

Last year, Daniels lost a decision to Claressa Shields — a two-time Olympic champion widely regarded as the world’s best female boxer.“I learned a lot throughout that (Shields) fight, and I made the changes that I needed to change,” Daniels said. “I moved back home, I trained out of my humble abode in Pipiwai (New Zealand), I got a world champion as my coach… and we did this together.”A fighter with a planAmid all the hype and noise to be expected of a title fight in Madison Square Garden, Daniels entered the ring Friday as the decided underdog. She was wearing a smile, one of her trademark caps and a t-shirt reportedly filled with the signatures of “Team Lani” fans and supporters.Joining Daniels’ small entourage in the ring was her older sister Caroline and at least one other unidentified team member wearing a blue BYU hat.As the two opponents faced each other in the center of the ring for pre-fight instructions, Green’s size advantage over the smaller Daniels was obvious.But from the opening bell, it was clear the lifelong Latter-day Saint intended to take the fight to the champion.

She surprised ESPN broadcasters and boxing fans alike by choosing to pressure Green with steady, relentless punches.Of course, that meant Daniels would have to take a few punches. And early in the fight, Green landed several stiff shots. But Daniels would quickly recover — and then continue the pressure, cutting off the ring and forcing Green to a corner to trade blows.“Daniels is having the fight of her life,” said one ringside reporter following the end of the fourth round.In the fifth, Green shifted her style — looking to box and utilize her athleticism.

But the champion soon seemed to tire, allowing Daniels to once again resume her steady attack. And while there wasn’t one individual punch that seemed to hurt Green, the barrage was clearly taking its toll.Daniels came into the fight in excellent condition. She looked as fresh in the deciding ninth-round as she did in the opening moments of the fight.

That likely proved to be the difference.What’s next for Lani Daniels?When Daniels visited with the Deseret News a few days before Friday’s fight, she was asked about her plans after facing Green. And while she was uncertain about her prizefighting future, she was clear about her desire to continue serving in her community.Daniels is a mental health nurse who works with children and teens. She knows what it means to grieve after losing her younger brother several years ago to cancer. Her family, culture and Latter-day Saint faith — along with boxing — have allowed to manage her pain and claim the sorts of opportunities she experienced Friday in New York City.