Boxer's ex-manager comes out swinging

David Tua

David Tua's former manager and Olympic boxer Kevin Barry came out swinging as he gave his version of a land purchase gone bad, in the High Court at Auckland yesterday.

In a lengthy affidavit read to the court, Barry defended himself against claims by Tua that he and Tuaman Incorporated company director Martin Pugh cheated Tua on a Northland land deal.

The three men are locked in a civil case over ownership of the 50ha coastal property at Pakiri.

Barry and Mr Pugh claim they own half of the $7.5 million block, because it was bought through Tuaman Inc, of which they each have a 25 per cent share.

Tua, who owns the remaining 50 per cent, claims the property is exclusively his and was bought through Tuaman Inc for tax reasons.

But Barry told Justice Hugh Williams Mr Pugh had long considered buying property at Pakiri.

Mr Pugh eventually bought a small block, then discussed with the other men the idea of buying the property that would come to be known as the Tuaman Inc property.

Barry told the court there had never been any suggestion that the property was solely for Tua.

"There is no way that the company has purchased the Pakiri property on trust for David Tua alone, but if it has, then that is without my consent as a 25 per cent shareholder, and using my money invested in the company without my consent ...

"I own 25 per cent of the shares in Tuaman Inc Ltd, and through that shareholding I see myself owning 25 per cent of the Pakiri property."

Barry also took a pop at Tua's spending - which included a $6000 personal food bill for one month - and how he tried to control others.

" ... He is manipulating in a sense that he knows how to get what he wants - from whoever, and when, he wants it.

"He has never, ever held himself accountable for any errors or mistakes, and I say this from being his mentor, trainer, manager and friend for over 12 years."

But under cross-examination by Tua's counsel, Tony Molloy, QC, Barry appeared to have little understanding of the Tuaman Inc structure, where the money was going, or what investments were made.

Barry often talked over the top of Tua's counsel, or moved off the question when giving answers.

At one point, Mr Molloy became highly irritated, prompting the response from Barry: "I have never seen you so angry."

After a few more interruptions, it all became too much for Mr Molloy: "There are more soliloquies in you than in Shakespeare," he snapped.

Barry was also questioned on publicity surrounding Tua's purchase of the Pakiri property.

When asked why he had once said Tua had bought the property as a retirement investment that would be "his own slice of paradise", Barry said he could not remember the exact words he used.

Most of the afternoon session was taken up in legal argument on the admissibility of Mr Pugh's evidence, but he took the witness box.

He told the court the idea of Tua being exclusive owner of the property was "ridiculous".

Mr Pugh was to continue giving evidence this morning. The case is expected to finish on Friday.