By Howard Dobson
The big David Tua versus Friday Ahunanya fight in Auckland is just minutes away.
Click here to see Live Updates of the Tua vs Friday fight
A win tonight could catapult Tua into the world heavyweight title picture – while a loss could just easily end those hopes altogether.
Shane Cameron turned down a request to be on tonight’s undercard simply because he's already got a fight night booked in Wellington next month; but having fought both the Tuamanator and Friday the 13th – what’s the Mountain Warrior’s prediction for tonight’s unofficial world title eliminator?
“I believe that David will come away with the victory, whether it’s a knockout or points,” says Cameron. “I reckon it will be more a TKO knockout.”
The TAB might see it that way – but not Ahunanya.
“I'm ready for this fight, I’m not going to use my 18 months absence as an excuse,” Ahunanya says.
“It’s all about being focussed and being mentally ready and I think I’m there.”
A feeling shared by Tua – we all know his left hand is lethal – but since he teamed up with Roger Bloodworth, David wants to prove the right can be just as damaging.
“It almost seems I was only allowed to fight one way, so to work with Roger gives me the confidence to explore other parts of why they call it the sweet science,” Tua says.
“It’s not just the left hook.”
As for Cameron – it will be merciful relief, no matter who wins tonight.
“I'll be glad when it's over actually,” he says. “Because I’m sick of all the promos on TV of me getting beaten by both of them – my only two losses of my whole career as a professional – so I’ll be glad when it’s all over.”
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