By Paul van der Werff
David Tua will fight in America for the first time in three years when he takes on Monte Barrett in Atlantic City tomorrow.
While there is plenty at stake, the Tuamanator is taking a low key approach.
If Tua can win tomorrow on American soil – and win decisively – it could go a long way towards helping him get another shot at the world title.
“Its a good feeling to know that the winner will be fighting for that, but I think more importantly we've just got to concentrate on each round and concentrate on winning this fight,” Tua says.
The voice of boxing, Colonel Bob Sheridan, thinks Tua could match it with one of the Klitschko brothers, holders of three of the heavyweight belts.
“The sporting aspect for him having the opportunity to win a world championship and with David’s power, Klitchko's been knocked down and stopped before,” Sheridan says.
Tua has weighed in at 107.7kg – just under his fight weight for his last fight, a unanimous points decision over Friday Ahunanya, and almost identical to his weight when he destroyed Shane Cameron in just the second round.
His opponent Monte "Two Gunz" Barrett tipped the scales at 102.1kg; the Tuamanator's camp haven't worked on too many specifics in training.
“Monty Barrett is a slick fighter, a smart fighter so we worked more on movement,” says Tua’s sparring partner Israel Garcia.
Tua’s trainer Roger Bloodworth says preparing for a special style can be dangerous.
“If you start preparing for a special style and that guy doesn't bring that special style you're in trouble so you have to make your training rounded,” he says.
Tua has never lost in 13 fights in Atlantic City and while Barrett may be coming off three straight losses, Tua won't be taking him lightly; needing a win to keep his title dream alive.
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