Mea Motu at the D+L Events Boxing Fight Night on 26 August 2023. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
Mea Motu is done waiting and just ready to fight.
Boxing immortality awaits the kiwi bantamweight as she attempts to become Aotearoa's first-ever unified world champion.
Motu will meet Britain's Ellie Scotney for WBO, IBF, and Ring Magazine Super Bantamweight World Titles on 26 January in Nottingham.
With the bout already postponed from October last year, Motu said she is itching for action and that Scotney will ultimately rue withdrawing from the original date.
"She gave me more time to focus on me, get my health right and execute everything. Now I'm in the best shape I've been in. I'm the strongest I've ever felt and the fittest that I've ever been. So mentally and physically, I'm more locked in. I'm just ready to go. I'm scared of myself!"
Given more time to prepare for the biggest fight of her career, Motu said she is now feeling more dangerous than ever.
"Chuck me in the ring right now I'm ready. That's how badly I want to get in there. The closer it gets, the more frustrating it is for me. I just get so excited. I just want to hurry up and jump in that ring."
Both women are undefeated in their professional careers, Motu sporting a 20 win record with eight knockouts while Scotney boasts nine wins, all by decision.
Training up to three times a day, Motu said it's been her toughest camp to date.
"But definitely my best one. I've definitely pushed my limits and going to the next level has been amazing."
Motu has sacrificed plenty in her quest to top the boxing world, including missing Christmas in order to continue training for the fight.
"It's felt like a lonely camp, but I'm willing to do everything that I can do to bring back those belts, I'm willing to die."
Regarding her opponent's game plan, Motu is paying little attention to the undefeated Brit.
"I dunno what Ellie's going to bring, but I know what I'm going to bring. That's the main thing."
Despite fighting on the biggest stage in her career, Motu maintains her calm.
"I don't get nervous fighting. I love fighting. It's my passion, my drive. It shaped me to the person I am today. It's given me hope, life and a lifestyle and how to live and enjoy my journey."
However, the magnitude of unifying multiple belts is not lost on her.
"This has been a dream for me since I started, first walked into this gym. My whole team has sacrificed with me. They've done this for the last four years. They've pushed me, and man, if you only knew the amount of times I wanted to give up, and would doubt myself they would be like, 'no, we've got this'."
She said it's testament to what can be achieved with the right people around you.
"I just came from a little garage in West Auckland. We don't have all the facilities, but what we do have is we have belief, support, and a family driven gym and we believe that we can take on the world."
Whānau is the primary driver for Motu, her five children firmly in her corner ahead of the bout.
"They keep telling me, 'stay focused, mum. You've got this. We believe you.' And they said they'll be waiting for me at the airport when I bring home those belts. So I can't wait for that."
And how will she celebrate the title win?
"A feed! Every time a feed. It better be a good feed. A big burger or something. You can't get kina over there so that's the sad thing. Damn. I would love kina."
Mea Motu vs Ellie Scotney
For the WBO, IBF, Ringside Magzine Bantamweight World Titles
Sunday 26 January, approx 9pm Nottingham
Mea Motu battles Ellen Simwaka at the D+L Events Boxing Fight Night on 26 August 2023. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
