Boxing: Shot at title closer for Tua

By Peter Jessup

David Tua's brutal demolition of Evander Holyfield's sparring partner Gary Bell yesterday took him one step closer to his dream of bringing a world heavyweight title fight to his backyard in South Auckland.

Tua's fight future is uncertain but, as the No 1 ranked contender for the International Boxing Federation and No 3 for the World Boxing Council, he remains assured of a title shot. The timing will depend on whether Holyfield fights again - speculation rife that the 35-year-old may call it quits - and who he chooses as challenger, with a re-match against IBF holder Lennox Lewis obviously offering the biggest pay day.

"I'm ready to fight anyone - bring them on," Tua said after taking Bell apart in 79 seconds of the first round.

Those who discount Tua's chances are remembering days when there were better fighters around, the boy from Otahuhu reaching his peak at a time when the opposition is short on class.

Manager Kevin Barry believes Tua has a serious chance, asking doubters to name a harder puncher in the division.

Tua's performance yesterday was reminiscent of Mike Tyson in his early days. He came straight from his corner to occupy Bell with a left jab and throw huge roundhouse rights, one landing on Bell's head and the second knocking him off balance.

The American was stunned by the power, his eyes showed he was scared. He dropped his guard and backed towards the ropes.

As Tua moved relentlessly forward Bell tried to throw high shots. Tua went under them and in the ensuing tussle there was a head clash that opened a serious cut above the challenger's eye.

It was to the bone and had the South Aucklander not gone in to finish Bell off the fight doctor would undoubtedly have stopped the bout.

But Bell had no answer to big hits that knocked his gloves away and the slamming he received once Tua was inside his longer reach. The fight was stopped after a flurry of unanswered blows.

Barry said there was no complaint from Bell's corner regarding the head clash. He was pleased his charge had done what was asked of him in coming out hard and fast and quickly finishing things because a no-contest would have meant further delays in the world title timetable.

Barry meets Tua's Main Events manager Lou Duva this week to sort out a future programme, the HBO network having only one major production spot left this year in December. Barry is confident Tua will be on that card, possibly fighting another similarly ranked contender in Michael Grant.

Others in the heavyweight arena include Ike Ibeabuchi and Kirk Johnson, all bigger than Tua and Ibeabuchi responsible for the only loss in his 34-1 record but that when Tua was suffering with bone chips in his elbow. About October he'll have a tune-up fight.

Tua's dream has him winning the unified world heavyweight title and defending it at home. The Ericsson Stadium managers already have an architect's plan for the ring and seating.