Rising Māori boxing star Emma “Little Miss” Nesbitt is on the brink of a world title opportunity after securing a WBA world title eliminator bout in Auckland next month.

The 21-year-old from Ngāti Kahu and Te Rarawa will face unbeaten Japanese contender Madoka Wada at the BX-9 event at Eventfinda Stadium on July 31, with the fight broadcast live on pay-per-view.

The bout doubles as a WBA world title eliminator and will also see the vacant WBA Gold Atomweight title on the line.

Nesbitt has rapidly built a reputation since turning professional in 2023, becoming one of New Zealand’s youngest fighters to break into the world rankings. She currently holds a record of 12 wins, one loss and one draw, with nine victories coming by knockout.

Her rise includes claiming WBA Oceania titles at light flyweight and minimumweight, as well as the WIBA world light flyweight title.

She is currently ranked third by the WBA, fourth by the IBF, eighth by the WBO and ninth by the WBC, placing her firmly in world title contention.

After losing her debut fight to Holly McMath, Nesbitt has been unbeaten since joining Auckland’s Peach Boxing Gym, home to several world-ranked fighters including former IBO champion Mea Motu.

She has since compiled a strong run of results, including victories over international opponents in Fiji and Thailand and notable wins against fighters with strong professional records.

Emma “Little Miss” Nesbitt is heading to Auckland for a WBA world title eliminator bout. Photo / BX-9/CSN

Nesbitt’s aggressive body work has become a key weapon, contributing to a high knockout ratio early in her career.

Her opponent Wada, 31, presents her toughest challenge to date. The Japanese fighter is undefeated with six wins, five by knockout, and holds multiple top-10 rankings across the major sanctioning bodies.

Wada was an accomplished amateur, claiming eight Japanese national titles and representing her country at the IBA Women’s World Championships in 2022 and 2023.

She also holds the WBC-OPBF minimumweight title and has recorded a stoppage victory over world title challenger Carleans Rivas.

BX-9 promoter Oz Jabur said securing the bout was a major milestone for New Zealand boxing.

“To have two active world-ranked contenders competing in New Zealand with a direct pathway to a WBA world title fight is incredibly significant,” Jabur said.

“Emma has achieved something remarkable at just 21, and Madoka brings elite international credentials and knockout power. This is a genuine world-class matchup.”

The BX-9 card will also feature several Māori fighters, including Francis Waitai (Ngāti Tamaterā), who will defend his WBA Oceania super middleweight title against Cowin Ray in the main event.

Dane Edge (Ngāti Maniapoto) will compete in a welterweight tournament semi-final against Papua New Guinea’s John Ume, while Keanu Naden (Ngāti Porou/Ngāpuhi) faces Australia’s Adrian Paoletti.

Victory could see Nesbitt join an elite group of New Zealand boxers, becoming just the ninth national fighter — and fourth Māori and female boxer — to win a world title.

Benjamin Watt is a retired boxing judge and New Zealand boxing writer with a decade of experience. Watt has also been BoxRec’s New Zealand record-keeper since 2014.