David Tua confident and ready to rumble -- The Dominion Post

By DUNCAN JOHNSTONE, Stuff.co.nz

David Tua is ready to rumble, declaring his training camp for next week's fight against Friday Ahunanya as the best of his lengthy career.

The two heavyweights and their entourages fronted a large media gathering in Auckland today with the room bristling with positivity.

"My training has been going very well ... it's probably been the best camp for me to date. It's been a choice time and we haven't overlooked anything" Tua said, breaking a lengthy silence in the build-up to this intriguing encounter.

While Ahunanya has been freely available for interviews since landing in Auckland last Sunday, Tua has kept to himself apart from an open sparring session last month.

But it looks like he has been busy. He appeared in good shape physically and looked calm and confident.

"I'm a lot happier now. We are more relaxed about our training. I'm ready and I'm looking forward to a good test."

His American trainer Roger Bloodworth backed up Tua's claims.

"This was a very good camp. No injuries, no concerns," Bloodworth said believing Tua's heavy workload into his last fight against Shane Cameron had benefitted him this time around.

"That has made it easier for us ... it was a platform into this camp. But we have worked hard and we have worked on everything because we are up against a world class opponent."

That was music to the ears of the Ahunanya camp who clearly rate the Las Vegas-based Nigerian.

"I have been talking trash for the last three weeks," admitted Ahunanya's manager-trainer Luis Tapia.

"But now it's time for action and I repeat that we will win.

"I think this will be one of the fights of the year in the heavyweight division. Friday needs to win this fight if he is to become world champion."

Ahunanya was happy to let Tapia do most of the talking from his side of the table but showed respect to the more experienced Tua.

"David Tua is a veteran when it comes to boxing. I am honoured he has given me this opportunity. I want to make the impossible possible," he said.

The weigh-in is in Auckland on Tuesday with the fight over 12 three-minute rounds on Wednesday night at the Trusts Stadium in Waitakere City.

Source: stuff.co.nz