Boxing: Tua eager to get Barrett out of his way

David Tua will fight American Monte 'Two Gunz' Barrett on July 18. Photo / Dean Purcell

He may be ranked No 2 by the World Boxing Organisation (WBO), but a "smarter" New Zealand heavyweight David Tua is not looking beyond winning his next fight later this month.

Tua, 37, will fight American Monte "Two Gunz" Barrett at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey on July 18 (NZT) in a matchup between two heavy-hitting, former world title challengers.

Unbeaten in his last 14 contests since dropping a decision to former IBF heavyweight champion Chris Byrd in 2001, "every fight is a title fight at this stage of my career," Tua told NZPA from New Jersey where he is preparing for the fight.

His one and only title shot against Lennox Lewis in 2000 for the WBC, IBF and IBO heavyweight titles which is his only loss in 51 career fights is a distant memory.

"It's about winning this one," said Tua, who is making a second comeback.

"If you can't win the fight in front of you, then a title fight is not possible. This is the only step that matters.

"Right now, I don't know many people who have the opportunity to do what I have been doing for as long as I have been doing.

"I have hopes and other dreams but more important now is to face reality and this fight is the reality."

Barrett has 34 wins (20 by knockout) and nine defeats and Tua considers him as dangerous as any boxer he has faced.

His last fight in December was a unanimous decision defeat to Russian prospect Alexander Ustinov.

"He's a durable, capable fighter who has challenged for the title a couple of times.

"Things didn't go his way but he's definitely a heavy hitter."

Tua said he was preparing for this fight as he did with every other but would be boxing smarter.

"It's about adjusting and taking advantage of what (opportunities) he gives me."

Nigeria's Friday Ahunanya who he beat on a unanimous decision in his last fight in March in Auckland, had talked a good fight beforehand but had been on his bicycle in the ring, backing away from Tua.

"I learned you've got to be smart to win every round. You find guys (such as Ahunanya) not wanting to engage and the most important thing is not to be frustrated."

Tua who has been training daily at the World Boxing and Fitness Center in Jersey City said Barrett's style could not be overlooked in his preparations.

He was training to be "open-minded and well prepared in every way rather than looking at a certain approach" for the fight.

- NZPA