Tongan Nailini Helu is celebrating after retaining the South Pacific title against Hamilton's Tinta Smith on the weekend.

The rematch between Tongan-born New Zealander Nailini Helu and Maori Hamilton boxer Tinta Smith for the South Pacific - PBCNZ version - title ended in a repeat, with Nailini winning by Split Decision.

It has been one whole year since Nailini has been in the boxing ring, with it becoming difficult to find fights in New Zealand.

When Nailini found out there was an opportunity for a rematch against Tinta Smith, she took the chance, taking the fight on less than a month's notice, which is quite short notice in professional boxing.

At Te Rapa Racecourse on Saturday night, August 17, Nailini Helu took on Tinta Smith, defending her South Pacific (PBCNZ version) Super Middleweight title. She had won the vacant title against Tinta back in August 2022 with that first fight ending with Nailini's hand being raised with a Majority Decision.

Things have changed since their last fight.

Since then, Tinta has made history, becoming New Zealand's first women's cruiserweight champion. Tinta has more experience, having taken on some tough opponents in New Zealand.

The rematch between Tongan-born New Zealander Nailini Helu and Maori Hamilton boxer Tinta Smith for the South Pacific (PBCNZ version) title ended in a repeat, with Nailini winning by Split Decision. Photo: Supplied.

Nailini was last in the ring in August 2023 when she took on former World title Contender Desley Robinson for the WBA Oceania Middleweight title, which Nailini lost by a close and controversial split decision.

The Helu vs. Smith fight was tough and close. It went the full eight rounds, ending with Nailini raising her hand with a split decision win.

What's next for both women?

It is unknown what is ahead for Nailini, but there is a lot of interest in her fighting in the future. There are now more boxers for her to fight than ever before.

A few names that would love to see her in the ring include a rematch with Alrie Meleisea, who is interested in returning to the ring after having a baby; Trish Vaka, who is retiring after this year; and a rematch with Sarah Long, who has been on hiatus for some time.

Some new names to yet be considered include Sequita Hemingway from Manawatu, the returning Cheyenne Whaanga, and Maria Hunt from Upper Hutt.

As for Tinta Smith, she has a fight book which will be televised on Sky TV on the undercard of Lani Daniels's world title defence against Nigerian Bolatito Oluwole. Tinta will be taking on kickboxer Tiani Barlow.

She plans to continue her amateur boxing career outside of professional boxing as the opportunity has come up to fight at the Australia Golden Gloves, and the New Zealand national amateur championships in Christchurch will be held later this year.