Motu had travelled north from Auckland to Pukepoto, between Ahipara and Kaitaia, for a break and had planned to attend a cousin’s wedding on Friday.
She and her team have been managing respiratory issues for years.
“To be honest, the last three days, it’s been really tough,” Motu told Newstalk ZB.
“I’ve been really struggling to breathe, both of my legs are all swollen...it’s really hard to walk, I’m very exhausted, I’m run down, I’m so tired. I’m just struggling to breathe and try survive, really. That’s the hardest.
“I was trying to fight it, but my family were very concerned and stressed that they took me to the hospital. I thought I just had a normal cold.”
Earlier this year, she was forced to withdraw from the reality TV show Treasure Island after a severe asthma attack landed her in the hospital with pneumonia - and continued to do so ahead of her meeting with Scotney.
Peach Boxing said Motu had been dealing with a persistent cough leading into the bout, but they were well prepared for the fight and had received medical clearance to compete.
Coach Isaac Peach praised Motu’s resilience, acknowledging the uphill battle she faced.
“I’m not making excuses, I take nothing away from Scotney, she was brilliant. It’s just crazy the level that Mea is able to operate at with such obstacles in her way,” Peach said.
“I was very worried as soon as I heard she was unwell back here, and I’m so relieved she is in the right place getting the treatment she needs. She is an absolute warrior.”
