Sir Bob Jones: It's what Tua is bringing that makes fight so intriguing

What makes the Tua-Cameron fight so intriguing?

In two words: David Tua.

Only Bob Fitzsimmons rates above him in accomplishment in New Zealand heavyweight boxing history, solely because Bob did actually capture sport's greatest prize, the world heavyweight championship, on March 17, 1897. That said, no one would doubt that the 1897 Fitz wouldn't last a round with the 1997 David Tua.

In America through the late 1990s and into this century David fought and beat the best including two genuine world champions in Michael Moorer and Hasim Rachman and two pretender claimants in Maskaev and Ruiz. Only an outstanding heavyweight champion, Lennox Lewis, with his massive height and reach advantages, proved insurmountable although to his credit David was still in there throwing punches to the last bell.

But that was then. After a two year lay-off David returned to the ring and it's no secret, the ferocious destroyer that the boxing world had come to hold in awe, struggled with opponents he would once have disposed of quickly.

David said he had major worries on his mind at the time which affected his performance. Everyone knows the "worries" claim was well-justified but we can only speculate whether that was the reason for his lacklustre performances or was the explanation more simple, namely Father Time had finally caught up. Harsher critics suggested he had become gun-shy.

Two years have elapsed since then and now at the age of 37 David has made another comeback, initially to take on Shane Cameron, the new kid on the block in New Zealand boxing.

Tua says he is truly motivated for this bout, knowing it's his last chance as well as being genuinely angered by Cameron's derision and he is determined to dispose of his Kiwi rival in double quick time. The question is, can he?

If the TAB is any guide then plainly he will but some older boxing heads are more sceptical.

Successful comebacks in boxing are rare. As well, as we all know, Shane Cameron is no pushover. He's equally as determined as David for he realises a clear cut victory for either man effectively marks the end of the road for the loser.

Shane has built a phenomenal record but let's not pull our punches. That record is against opponents who had they been in with David in his heyday, would have been considered scandalous mismatches. Nevertheless Shane has shown durability, determination and courage and if lacking Tua's explosive punching power, he nevertheless has proved himself a solid hitter and has worn down and stopped inside the distance nearly all of his opponents.

So, let's summarise the scenario. On the one hand there's a majority view that Tua's explosive punching and experience against the world's best will see him quickly dispose of Shane.

But on the other there's a minority faction, notably among knowledgeable boxing affectionados, who say David's time has passed, that determination will not be enough if the old skills are gone, against Shane's stiff jab, height advantage, gritty determination and relentless aggression. More particularly they point to Shane's biggest weakness, namely his vulnerability to straight right hands but note these were inflicted by tall, rangy opponents and that this punch has scarcely been conspicuous in David's repertoire. Tua's biggest weapon, his left hook, they argue should pose no problem for Shane who has shown good defence against left jabs and hooks.

This brings us full circle to the opening paragraph, namely that the outcome of this battle depends on two words; "David Tua". Specifically, as with the well known phrase "the Real McCoy" (which term stems from the great Kid McCoy of a century back who, if he turned up sober was invincible, thus speculating on the outcome of his bouts, depended on whether the drunk McCoy or the Real (sober) McCoy would turn up), one thing however is certain. Given the natural aggression of both men this contest is bound to be a thriller. Can David Tua turn back the clock and simultaneously KO Father Time and Shane Cameron or will the tough and relentless Mountain Warrior's non-stop punching wear down the Samoan for either a late stoppage or points win? On October 3 the moment of truth will arise and we'll find out.