KEY POINTS:
David Tua's corner did their best to get the Aucklander heavyweight to prolong his fight in Michigan today but he still ended it impressively in the second round.
In his seventh comeback fight, Tua beat Michigan's Cerron Fox on a technical knockout when the referee signalled the end one minute 41 seconds into the second round of their scheduled 10-rounder after Fox was sent to the canvas for a third time.
It extended Tua's record to 49-3-1 (42 by knockout).
His promoter Cedric Kushner said Tua will fight again in his programme on October 19 (NZ time) and he was still planning a title fight for him within six months.
"We want one of the four heavyweights. David is not doing himself a favour because he's knocking out everyone out and everyone's running scared," Kushner said.
Tua, 34, looking in probably the best shape of his career, weighed in at 106kg. His previous fighting weight was around 113kg.
Giving away both significant height (5cm) and reach advantage (3cm) to Fox, 28, Tua could have ended the fight in the first round, as he did against Mexican champion Saul Montana three weeks ago.
Fox, obviously looking for a quick end, opened the fight with some looping lefts and rights, some of which landed on the side of Tua's head and neck. Tua replied with solid left hooks and right crosses which had the American wobbling.
However, Tua's corner asked him to slow down and he barely threw another punch - ducking, weaving and jabbing instead until only seconds from the end of the first round when he staggered Fox with another left hook to the head and right to the body.
It was clear the end was near even though Fox finished the round on his feet.
Fox started the second round again with some looping punches which appeared to have lost their sting.
Another calculated left hook to the jaw sent Fox to the canvas but he was back.
Another Tua left shot to the head and right to the body floored Fox for a mandatory eight-count.
When Fox returned he looked far more guarded but a solid left hook to the head sent him back to the canvas and the referee stepped in to signal the end.
As Tua was congratulated, Fox was shaking his head, seemingly in awe, and trying to check whether his jaw was intact.
"Maybe the heavyweight division will sit up and take notice," Tua said referring to the difficulties his camp has been having in lining up a more meaningful opponent.
"I'm happy with my performance but I'm not satisfied.
"I know Cedric has been working hard to keep me active."
Tua's latest two fights, though against boxers who have been well past their prime or who had previously fought against opponents of no status, drew impressive comments from ringsiders.
They said Tua had certainly increased his arsenal of punches and didn't just depend on his lethal left hook, and that he was stepping around the right better and using his jabs more often.
They were also impressed with his shape and hunger for success.
His American trainer Roger Bloodworth said Tua was showing a lot of determination.
"He's a good fighter but he can be a great fighter because he's got natural rhythm, he's a natural athlete and he's got what other boxers haven't got - a knockout punch. We're trying to make him a complete fighter," Bloodworth said.
- NZPA
